BookSmiles reaches 4 million free books distributed across South Jersey

BookSmiles announced on Jan. 7 that it has reached a milestone of 4 million books distributed to children across South Jersey, a milestone that includes deliveries to programs serving Cumberland County municipalities. The nonprofit’s work, carried out through partnerships with schools, community organizations and literacy events, aims to put free books into the hands of young readers at a time when early literacy influences long-term health and educational outcomes.

The scale of distribution matters beyond storytime. Public health research links early language exposure and access to reading materials with better school readiness, improved mental health, and greater health literacy across the lifespan. For families in underserved neighborhoods, free books reduce an obstacle to learning and help narrow disparities that are shaped by income, access to services and neighborhood resources. In Cumberland County, where communities have a mix of rural and small-town conditions, sending books home through trusted local partners increases the chance that children who need them most will receive them.

BookSmiles’ approach relies on collaboration. The organization places books into schools and community programs and at literacy-focused events, leveraging local relationships to reach children where they learn and play. That model can make literacy supports more equitable by aligning distribution with existing local networks rather than depending solely on purchases by individual families. Local educators and program leaders have long said that sustaining reading at home is a key driver of attendance, engagement and healthy development; increased access to books is one practical lever to support those goals.

From a policy perspective, milestones like this highlight how nonprofit and community partnerships can complement public investments in early childhood. County and municipal officials weighing budgets and program priorities can consider supporting library outreach, book distribution programs and school partnerships as part of a broader strategy to improve educational and health equity. Investments that connect books to pediatric care visits, early intervention services and family resource centers can amplify the health benefits of early literacy.

BookSmiles and its local program partners have more information about distribution and partnership opportunities for organizations and schools. For parents and caregivers, start by asking your child’s school, library or community center whether they participate in local book distribution programs or upcoming literacy events.

The takeaway? Getting free books into kids’ hands is a simple, evidence-aligned step that supports learning and long-term well-being. Our two cents? If you want to help a child read, check with your local school or community organization about BookSmiles partnerships and consider donating time or gently used books to neighborhood programs.