Cherry Hill families can pick up free Halloween costumes at the public library on Wednesday, Oct. 14. No donation is required.

The Cherry Hill Public Library's Halloween Costume Grab returns for its third year with two browsing sessions: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Children's Story Time & Craft Room on the upper level. The program collects gently worn costumes from donors and lets any resident take one home at no cost.

The event was previously called a costume swap. Library staff renamed it this year to make clear that picking up a costume does not require giving one, South Jersey Media reported.

Hope Holroyd, the library's public relations and marketing coordinator, said donations grew between the program's first and second years, topping 100 costumes collected last fall. Organizers hope to match that number again. Holroyd said families who attend are grateful, noting how much the free costumes help.

The library accepts costumes in all sizes but is especially looking for teen and adult options. Youth Services Supervisor Jasmine Riel said children's costumes tend to dominate the donation bins.

Riel recalled a standout donation from the program's first year: someone brought in an eagle head, and a student volunteer claimed it on the spot to dress as Swoop, the Philadelphia Eagles mascot. "We're happy that he was able to take the eagle head home!" Riel said.

No registration is required. The library asks families to take only one costume per family member so the selection stretches further. Leftover costumes go to other organizations that distribute them free. Groups interested in unclaimed costumes can contact Youth Services Outreach Librarian Melissa Brinn at [email protected].

The Costume Grab is part of a broader sustainability push by the library's reuse-focused committee, which also runs Project Prom and a craft supply grab around Earth Day. Two more seasonal programs follow this fall:

  • Wrap It Up collects gift wrap, greeting cards and gift bags from Oct. 17 through Nov. 15, with a distribution event on Nov. 17.
  • Bundle Up Coat Drive accepts coats from Nov. 23 through Dec. 12, followed by a giveaway event on Dec. 15.

The library is at 1100 Kings Highway North. Questions about the Costume Grab can go to [email protected] or 856-667-0300, option 4.

Upcoming at Cherry Hill Public Library

  • Oct. 14: Halloween Costume Grab, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5:30–8:30 p.m.
  • Oct. 17–Nov. 15: Wrap It Up gift-wrap collection
  • Nov. 17: Wrap It Up distribution event
  • Nov. 23–Dec. 12: Bundle Up Coat Drive collection
  • Dec. 15: Bundle Up giveaway event