A Leading Provider of Free Quality Children’s Books
When 2 out of 3 children lack books, something needs to change. That’s why Bernie’s Book Bank empowers 315,000 children to explore new ideas, gain knowledge, and strengthen reading skills through book ownership.
Donate Books
Donate your new and gently used children’s books to help inspire children to explore new ideas, gain knowledge, and strengthen reading skills.
Make a Donation
$16 buys 8 books for a child. Empower children to explore new ideas, gain knowledge, and strengthen reading skills through the power of book ownership by giving to Bernie’s Book Bank today.
Volunteer Today
Make an impact by volunteering with friends, family and colleagues at our facility. Sign-up today or manage your future volunteer opportunities.
Our Mission
Create Pathways to Success Through Book Ownership.
Reading is the single most important skill a child needs — yet many lack access to books. Founded in 2009 by Brian Floriani to honor his father, Bernie’s Book Bank strives to make books accessible to all children.
- Commit to increasing book ownership and improving literacy growth
- Deliver age-appropriate, high-interest and culturally relevant books children deserve.
- Solve the challenge of providing quality books to local children.
We need your help to continue increasing book ownership in local communities. By donating books, time and resources, you’re helping empower children to explore new ideas, gain knowledge, and strengthen reading skills.
Get Involved with Bernie’s Book Bank
Your support is needed to ensure local children have access to high-quality, culturally relevant books. Get involved and help increase book ownership today.
Individuals & Families
Start making a difference for local children today. Help us collect, sort, label, and pack books and give back to your community.
Corporate & Civic Groups
Share in the power of giving by gathering your community together for an impactful volunteer experience.
“Access to books at home is critically important to children’s academic development. We thank Bernie’s Book Bank for their generous efforts to expand access to books to families in need.”
Latanya D. McDade
Former Chief Education Officer | Chicago Public Schools
Books Distributed in 2024
Children who received books in 2024
Volunteer Hours in 2024
Active Title I Schools & Early Childhood Programs
Invest in Children.
Invest in Our Future.
Financial gifts are critical to bringing the Bernie’s Book Bank mission to life.
One-time & Recurring Gifts
Every dollar makes a difference. Start changing lives with a one-time donation or set-up easy, automatic monthly gifts to help more children own books.
Planned Giving
Leave a legacy and empower local children with a planned giving gift of your choosing.
Sponsor An Event
Be the spark that ignites the future. Find out how to host or sponsor a book donation event to combine resources and create a bigger impact.
Check out the Latest from Bernie’s Book Bank
Stay up-to-date on our literary endeavors and find new ways to get involved.
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Empower Children through Book Ownership
Help children build personal libraries where they can explore new ideas, gain knowledge and strengthen reading skills.