Chicago’s Leading Provider of Free Quality Books
When 2 out of 3 under-served children lack books, something needs to change. That’s why Bernie’s Book Bank empowers nearly 300,000 Chicagoland children to read their way to a better life through book ownership.
Attend an Event
Have fun while making a difference by attending one of our many unique events in support of our mission.
Make a Donation
Just $8 buys 8 books for an under-served child. Invest in a better life for children and a better future for us all by giving to Bernie’s Book Bank today.
Volunteer Today
Make an impact by volunteering with friends, family and colleagues at our HQ. Sign-up today or manage your future volunteer opportunities.
Our Mission
Create Opportunities for Under-Served Children Through Literacy
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 under-served children — in Chicagoland — and beyond.
We need your help to continue increasing book ownership in under-served communities. By donating books, time and resources, you’re helping children reimagine the world and envision a better future.
Get Involved with Chicagoland’s Children’s Book Bank
Your support is needed to ensure under-served Chicagoland children have access to high-quality, culturally relevant books. Get involved and help increase literacy today.
Individuals & Families
Start making a difference for under-served 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 2021
Books Given to Chicago Public Schools
Families Served Alongside Northern Illinois Food Bank
Active school & U6 partnerships
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 change the story for under-served 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.
Featured Event
BIRDIES & BOOKS: Bernie’s Book Bank Charity Golf Classic
Mon, Aug 29, 2022 | Shoreacres, Lake Bluff, Il
Join us for Birdies & Books, the longest-running Bernie’s Book Bank charity event. Held at the prestigious Shoreacres, Birdies & Books connects donors to our mission and helps Bernie’s Book Bank further its ability to provide books for a better life for nearly 300,000 under-served Chicagoland children.
Books Need Homes. Children Need Books.
At the heart of our mission is to source, process and distribute high-quality new and gently-used children’s books. Join us as we seek to improve outcomes for under-served children by increasing book ownership.
Organize a Book Drive
Make a big impact — for free — by hosting a Bernie’s Book Bank book drive.
Engage your whole community in the power of sustainable literacy by organizing a book drive using our easy 3-step guide.
Get Started
Find a Book Drop Off
Locate one of our 120+ book drop off locations or stop by our Processing Center.
Donate your new and gently-used children’s books (less than 500) at a book drop or visit our Processing Center in Lake Bluff.
Check out the Latest from Bernie’s Book Bank
Stay up-to-date on our literary endeavors and find new ways to get involved.
BookaPalooza
The first-ever BookaPalooza was a huge success! Spawning from last year's Storybook Festival, Bernie’s Book Bank wanted to bring a similar...
Wilkov Family Reaches Goal, Collects One Million Books
The start of a year is synonymous with new resolutions and setting goals to accomplish them. However, according to a study conducted by...
20 Million Books
On October 13th Bernie's Book Bank reached a major milestone, the distribution of our 20 MILLIONTH free book since 2009! To celebrate this...
Empower Children through Book Ownership
Help children READ their way to a better life through books.
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