A unique space in Highbridge is helping young kids fall in love with reading, while inspiring the next generation of authors.

Known as the Bronx Book Haven, Storyland is the first children's book lounge in the borough where kids can simply hang out and read at their leisure.

"We will not accept that our kids can’t read," said Sulma Arzu-Brown, executive director of Storyland. "We will not accept that reading is not fun."

As someone who grew up in the Bronx, Arzu-Brown said having a place like this is more than just books.

"Because we remind them that they are brilliant, that they are wonderfully made and as a community we’re going to continue to uplift them," she said.

Not only can kids come read one of the many books at Storyland, they can also take it home as a complimentary gift.

"This is something that I always wanted as a child," said Ruth Fleury, one of the authors who had read Storyland. "As an author, as a mom and a teacher, to see this beautiful space for families and children to come and have a safe space to enjoy literacy is amazing."

Storyland also partners with schools and educators to host reading sessions throughout the year, where kids can also take part in creative activities as well as have something to eat.