Each year, Booksgiving offers an opportunity to serve and fundraise for the mission of Bernie’s Book Bank: providing books for the children who need them most. Honoring the tradition from the first Booksgiving, this year’s event was inspired by the beloved classic book, The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.
Booksgiving 2025 was a two-day event, taking place on Friday, November 7, and Saturday, November 8. After following the yellow brick road to the Emerald City, Friday’s attendees sorted books, enjoyed live music from the talented Billy Nixon, and enjoyed light hors d’oeuvres provided by Catering By Michaels, and a happy hour, including a signature “Dorothy’s Red Slipper” cocktail.
Those who attended Saturday’s session sorted or stickered books with the characters of Oz, enjoyed brunch, including a coffee and hot chocolate bar, bedazzled books, and were wowed by the Chicago Bubble Show. Dorothy even personally shared with the children her “Wizard of Oz” story with dogs from K9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore by her side and enchanted guests with a beautiful a capella version of “Somewhere over the Rainbow.”
We thank everyone who attended Booksgiving! There’s no place like Bernie’s Book Bank!
