Staten Islanders got a chance to release their inner bookworm on St. Patrick's Day.
Assemblyman Michael Cusick teamed up with the Irish Arts Center at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal to pass out free books in celebration of the holiday. The books were collections of short stories or novels featuring Irish authors.
Participants say that each year is a new experience.
“We get a different response from people who are new to this,” Cusick said. “And it's great to see the surprise on their face that we are actually handing out something free.”
“We get different titles, I also get a different set of volunteers, and everyone's attitude sort of gets better and better every year,” added volunteer Adam Lamberg.
It's the Irish Arts Center's seventh year hosting this event.