Around 8500 books were handed out for free in just over 30 minutes outside of Bank of Cook Islands (BCI) headquarters in Avarua yesterday.

The books were given out by charity organisation Furniture for Schools Cook Islands.

One of the people at the site was Penny Crocombe who brought her family.

“We are a big reading family so I thought to bring them all down and grab their own books,” she said.

Crocombe said her children were excited for the giveaway. 

“They all got in the car first before I got in the car.”

One of her children, Ron said he was looking forward to reading the new books he picked out.   

Ron said he was into Tintin comics and also David Williams books.

Furniture for Schools Cook Islands facilitator Piltz Napa said he thought the giveaway went well.

He hoped the parents would make use of the books.

“From the beginning we just wanted to make sure the parents challenged their children.”

The books were donated in partnership with Pacific Assist New Zealand, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints charities and Scholastics NZ.

The remaining books are going to be sent to Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke and Mangaia.

Napa said the books given out were a variety for all ages.

The book giveaway was held in the middle of local school’s Literacy Week.