The 'Book Fairies' Moves To Hicksville, Expanding Reach To Give People Access To Books

HICKSVILLE, NY — Book Fairies moved to Hicksville, enabling the organization to expand its reach and efficiency in distributing books.

Book Fairies sources and redistributes books to under-resourced communities on Long Island, the five boroughs, and internationally.

The organization moved locations from Freeport to Hicksville to be more centrally located and near accessible highways.

Executive Director Eileen Minogue said she hopes the Hicksville community takes pride in having the Book Fairies in their backyard.

"As we settle into our new home, we look forward to building stronger local support, growing our mission, and filling the many orders currently on our waitlist — ensuring that more children and families gain access to the books they deserve," she said.

Book Fairies was founded in 2012 by Amy Zaslansky, a Bellmore mother who learned of a local teacher who did not have enough books in her classroom.

"She realized that the hole was larger than that one teacher, and lack of access to books was a problem that needed to be solved," Minogue said.

Book Fairies has distributed over 5.7 million books and partners with the Individuals with Developmental Disabilities community, as they provide pickups and deliveries for books, Minogue said, "providing over 180 individual opportunities a week for individuals with special needs."

"I hope Book Fairies brings opportunity to the Long Island community by serving as a bridge —connecting those who have books to share with those who need them most," she said. "By opening that pathway, we help ensure every child and family has access to the stories, knowledge, and inspiration that allow them to learn, grow, and thrive."

Having the accessibility to read, learn, and grow is incredibly important, Minogue said.

"Our goal is to remove barriers to literacy, nurture a lifelong love of reading, and strengthen communities by ensuring that every child has access to the stories and knowledge that inspire imagination, learning, and opportunity," she said.

Minogue said the most rewarding part about helping to run the Book Fairies is seeing the direct impact that access to books has on someone who may not have had the opportunity beforehand.

"Every time a classroom lights up because they’ve received new books, or a child discovers a story that sparks their imagination, it’s a tangible reminder that literacy opens doors to opportunity," she said.

She added that it's deeply fulfilling to build connections between all who help donate and distribute books.

"Together, you’re not just moving boxes of books; you’re breaking down barriers to literacy and creating equitable opportunities for learning," she said.

Minogue said that she finds such inspiration through this organization.

"It’s incredibly motivating to know that every effort — whether it’s organizing donations, managing logistics, or coordinating partnerships — contributes to a mission that fosters lifelong love of reading and strengthens communities," she said. "It’s the kind of work where you can see the ripple effect of change in real time."