More than 2,000 gently used books were generously donated, creating a treasure trove of stories for eager young readers. Students explored Dalton’s vibrant “Reading Rainbow,” a color-coded array of picture books, early readers, chapter books, graphic novels, and non-fiction. With so many choices, every child found something new and exciting to take home. Over 200 families attended, filling the room with cheerful chatter as children compared favorite characters and flipped through potential new reads.

Adding to the fun, students designed their own personalized bookmarks using stickers, markers, and sparkly gems — little keepsakes to make their reading time even more special.

The highlight of the day was the much-anticipated raffle. Every participating student received a free entry, and the lucky winners — Claire Franken ‘37 and Yifei Jiao ‘35 — were named “Librarians for the Day.” They’ll soon enjoy helping organize books and recommending books to their classmates.

In a heartwarming finale, the remaining 500 books were donated to the wider New York City community through NY Common Pantry and Reading Partners, extending the event’s spirit of generosity far beyond the school walls.

The Book Swap not only inspired a love of reading but also fostered creativity, connection, and community pride. Families are already looking forward to next year’s celebration of stories.