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In March, we are open the following Saturday: March 30th, 9:00 am-4:30 pm

Book Lovers’ Lunch will be on Friday, May 10th. Secure your tickets today!

Chicago’s Leading Provider of Free Quality Books

When 2 out of 3 children lack books, something needs to change. That’s why Bernie’s Book Bank empowers nearly 300,000 Chicagoland children to explore new ideas, gain knowledge, and strengthen reading skills through book ownership.

Donate Books

Donate your new and gently used childrens books to help inspire Chicagoland children to explore new ideas, gain knowledge, and strengthen reading skills.

Make a Donation

$16 buys 8 books for a Chicagoland 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 children — in Chicagoland — and beyond.

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.

Read More About Us

Get Involved with Chicagoland’s Children’s Book Bank

Your support is needed to ensure Chicagoland children have access to high-quality, culturally relevant books. Get involved and help increase book ownership today.

Individuals & Families

Start making a difference for Chicagoland 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 2022

Books Given to Chicago Public Schools

Spanish/Bilingual Books Distributed in 2022

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 Chicagoland 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 28, 2023 | Shoreacres, Lake Bluff, Il

Birdies & Books is 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 nearly 300,000 Chicagoland children.

Learn More

Our Purpose

Bernie’s Book Bank enables positive life experiences through 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.

Find My Book Drop

Check out the Latest from Bernie’s Book Bank

Stay up-to-date on our literary endeavors and find new ways to get involved.

New Record!

New Record!

We are proud to share that in February, we distributed an organization-record 345,765 books! In case you were wondering, the previous...

For the Love of Books

For the Love of Books

Meet Riley!  Riley is passionate about reading, enjoys sharing her love for books on instagram, and actively supports Bernie’s Book Bank....

Empower Children through Book Ownership

Help children build personal libraries where they can explore new ideas, gain knowledge and strengthen reading skills.

Get Involved  Donate Now

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