This Woman’s Halloween Treats Are Books—And Her Heartwarming Tradition Is Changing Lives
Meet Rae Murphy, the woman who gives out books on Halloween and inspires literacy year-round
When Rachel “Rae” Murphy was a shy kid, books became her friends—and reading became a lifetime love.
A few years ago, her husband, Joe, decided to build Rae a Little Free Library on the lawn of their home in Glendora, New Jersey. When October came and Rae was planning for trick-or-treating on Halloween, she thought of all the books for youth she had collected and she got an idea: Why don’t I give kids books along with the sweet treats?
Rae’s idea was a hit in her community and a picture of her manning the book table on Halloween, in her Belle costume from Beauty and the Beast, went viral on social media and Rae decided to give away books with treats every Halloween.
Every year, Rae gives away a few hundred books, ranging from comics and graphic novels to classics like Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and Eric Litwin’s Pete the Cat books for elementary-age kids.
She buys a lot of books from secondhand bookstores, but also receives donations.
“It’s completely awesome!” says Erika Green, mom of two kids, Austin, 12 and Ava, 9.
Rae was especially touched when, one Halloween, a family stopped by and shared that they had been talking with a pair of teenagers who said the books they had received at her house made their Halloween.
“That’s what keeps me going,” says Rae, 36. “I’m not going to stop anytime soon!”
In fact, last year, Rae, who is raising her niece, Victoria, 10, expanded on her Halloween idea and started the Rae’s Free Reads program, where she holds book giveaways in a community location like a park gazebo. She plans to read stories aloud to kids at the next Rae’s Free Reads event.
But right now, Rae is preparing for her fourth Halloween as The Book Lady. She was excited to hear from many people who told her she inspired them to have their own book tables on Halloween.
Knowing her tradition will live on fills Rae with joy. “Literacy is so important. It provides kids with an outlet. They can find a character they can relate to and a story they can be invested in. I feel like reading is making a comeback with kids and I just love that!”
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