The Cassville Branch Library recently donated 400 children’s and youth books to the Cassville Pantry for free distribution Nov. 7-10 in honor of Children’s Book Week.

Visitors to the Pantry were excited to receive the brand new children’s books and to be able to encourage the love of reading among their family members. The library books donated included a variety of selections for all younger ages spanning from early readers through teenage-themed topical subjects including science, history and biographies.

“We are grateful to the Cassville Branch Library for generating this bonus opportunity to extend literature and literacy to the youth in our community,” said Janet Mills, Cassville Pantry director. “Our visitors to the food pantry are likely facing some tough challenges. Taking home some free books provided an uplifting and unexpected boost. Books are the gifts that will keep on giving and can hearten a heavy spirit, providing hours of entertainment and enhancement of imagination.”

Books were handed out at the Cassville Pantry, located at 800 West 10th St. in Cassville, coinciding with food box distribution services to the community to fight local food insecurity.

Visitors came to the agency to receive a food box and were encouraged by receiving the additional bonus of taking with them free books to give to their kids at home.

Cheryl Williams spearheaded this project for the Cassville Branch Library outreach. Contact Williams at the library, located at 301 W. 17th St. in Cassville, or at 417-847-2121 if more information on the book donation project is requested. Cassville Library.