Volunteer

VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU SHAPE OUR WORLD

Truth: We could never have hand-delivered 29 million high-quality books since 2009 to children who need them without our passionate collective of individual and group volunteers and supporters. When you volunteer at Bernie’s Book Bank, you become an important member of our team. Whatever your age, whatever your ability, there’s a place for you and what you bring.

Many people start volunteering with us because they love books. They stay because the community they create with the other volunteers is so powerful. The difference you make is immediate, invaluable, and 100% local, and we have the thank-you letters from the children who get those books to prove it.

a Volunteer packs books into large bins
man with open book

Volunteer as an Individual

We believe service is made up of heart, energy, and effort. From the first bag of books you pack for a child who needs them, you are helping to rewrite the ending of the children’s literacy crisis in America.

LET’S GO
four blue-shirted volunteers from Wintrust Bank pack books at a large tablw

Volunteer as a Group

Teamwork makes dreamwork. If you are volunteering as a group of three or more from separate households, fill out our Group Request Form, and a member of our Volunteer Services team will help coordinate a reservation. If you are a family looking to volunteer together, please see our instructions on how to add children’s profiles to your volunteer account here.

LET’S GO

ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

ten volunteers smile

50 Hour Club

Join the growing coalition of passionate volunteers who commit to giving 50 hours of service across a 12-month period.

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kids and adults organize donated books on folding tables

Volunteer Hours for Books

Looking for service hours? Collect and donate 100 new or gently used children’s books to Bernie’s Book Bank and receive two hours of community service credit.

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close-up on hands packing books into a green Bernie's Books bag

Court-Ordered Service

Bernie’s Book Bank works with individuals on a case-by-case basis toward the completion of their court-mandated community service requirements.

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STORIES FROM VOLUNTEERS

a dozen kids pack books and apply bright green Bernie's stickers
 
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ANNE G.

I started volunteering at Bernie’s Book Bank because I believe every child deserves access to quality books, regardless of their background. What I love most about volunteering is knowing that each book I help sort or pack could spark a lifelong love of reading for a child. The environment is always positive and purpose-driven, which makes every visit feel meaningful. Being part of a mission that supports literacy and learning has been incredibly rewarding.”
ANNE G.

JOHN V.

“I’ve always enjoyed volunteering at Bernie’s Book Bank each week to give my time and help get books to kids and their families. It’s a place to come work alongside good people and forget for a time anything else that might be going on in our lives.”
JOHN V.

NANCY F.

As a lifelong reader, English major, and a volunteer reading tutor, books are everything to me. I can’t imagine a home without them. So when I learned about the mission of Bernie’s Book Bank, I knew it would be a perfect fit for me. Not only do I love volunteering there, but I’ve met the most interesting people doing so!”
NANCY F.

BILL M.

“I first experienced the tremendous work of Bernie’s Book Bank more than 10 years ago when Ian accompanied some of my high school English students who spent a school service day at the warehouse. I was impressed with the organization and professionalism displayed by the work staff. I found myself fully and eagerly involved in Bernie’s Book Bank’s stated corporate mission: to increase book ownership and literacy among needy kids from pre-K to sixth grade. Reading and literacy are two of the greatest skills children can develop for future success. When I retired from teaching, I decided to help Bernie’s Book Bank even more. I have donated more than 50 hours of work annually for the last six years, and that increased presence has shown me the passion and ardor for other volunteers like myself. And most recently, when I volunteered to come on a book delivery to a Waukegan school, I saw the excitement felt by the students when their books were delivered to them in the classroom! That proved to me that Bernie’s Book Bank makes a measurable impact on students in the warehouse and with school deliveries.”
BILL M.

ELLEN H.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to be a Bernie’s Book Bank volunteer because giving back is so important! I began volunteering as an AbbVie employee and continue to do so as an AbbVie retiree. I’m proud to support Bernie’s Book Bank and pass along the wonderful gift of READING! Come join us! Garrison Keillor: ‘A book is a gift you can open again and again.’”
ELLEN H.

ELAINE R.

I started volunteering at Bernie’s Book Bank about 10 years ago after attending a volunteering session through my employer — like a good book, all it took was one session and I was hooked! Bernie’s Book Bank’s mission to provide quality books to children who need them most aligns with my personal values. As someone who has loved books since I was a child, I continue to be inspired by the idea that book ownership could open up a world of opportunity for a child. Volunteering here has been incredibly rewarding — I love the sense of community and knowing that every hour I spend helps spark a love of reading!”
ELAINE R.

TRISH H.

I began volunteering at Bernie’s Book Bank to honor my mom. Her name was Bernadette and went by Bernie. My mom was a librarian at the Waukegan Public Library. She was the department head of the Extension Department (Book Mobiles). She often brought books to those who could not get to the Book Mobiles. If she were alive today I know without a doubt we would be volunteering side by side at Bernie’s Book Bank! Reading is as important as breathing and eating and everyone should have access to books.”
TRISH H.

JANICE A.

I have been volunteering at Bernie’s Book Bank for almost nine years. I started when my youngest child went off to college and was looking for something constructive to do. I love the hands on feel of volunteering at Bernie’s Book Bank and contributing to the organization. I have met great people and have enjoyed it very much.”
JANICE A.

SUE P.

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t read. From a very early age, books were both entertainment and escape. I felt (and still feel) that books help make life worth living, and no child should have to go without books. I was very happy, then, to learn about Bernie’s Book Bank. I volunteered sporadically early on, but started coming once per week once I retired. I enjoyed it so much, I added a second weekly shift. The staff and the other volunteers are friendly and interesting people, and each shift flies by.”
SUE P.

VOLUNTEERING FAQs

Read some of the most frequently asked questions about volunteering at Bernie’s Book Bank.

As a volunteer at Bernie’s Book Bank, you are helping prepare books for distribution to children who need them most. The difference you make is immediate, invaluable, and 100% local, and we have the thank-you letters from the children who get those books to prove it.

From the first bag of books you pack for a child who needs them, you are helping to rewrite the ending of the children’s literacy crisis in America.

Our volunteer jobs vary based on age, ability, and current organizational needs. Whether you are stickering, sorting, or bagging books, all jobs are valued and important.

Each volunteer session begins with an overview of the volunteer activity that you will complete. Bernie’s Book Bank employees will be on hand throughout the session to guide you through your tasks.

Whether it’s your first time or fiftieth, all volunteering sessions require a reservation. Volunteering sessions open up two months in advance. If you are looking to register a group of three or more from separate households, please fill out a Group Request Form. If you are a family looking to volunteer together, please see our instructions on how to add children’s profiles to your volunteer account here. Schedule a volunteer shift here.

We believe the gift of service is universal. All ages and abilities are welcome to join our mission of book ownership! If you are bringing children outside of your family, please forward the registration confirmation link with waivers to their respective guardians to complete ahead of time.

Plan to arrive 5 to 10 minutes prior to the start of your scheduled volunteer shift to allow time for check-in.

Parking is available on-site.

Book donations are not a requirement for volunteering, but are always welcome! In every bag of eight books we pack for children, there’s one special book that has been donated by someone in the community — someone like you.

If you have glasses, we recommend wearing them. Aside from eyewear and comfy closed-toed shoes, just bring yourselves — service is made up of heart, energy, and effort!

If you’re interested in donating new or gently used children’s books, we will gladly take them off your hands. You can view our book donation guidelines here.

Lockers are available on-site to store your purse, water bottle, and any other goodies. No bags, food, or beverages are allowed in the Processing Center. Exceptions will be made for emergency medical equipment.

All volunteering takes place in our Processing Center. We recommend that you lean towards comfort and closed-toed shoes.

Yes, all Bernie’s Bank facilities are ADA accessible. Some volunteer activities require standing for the duration of the shift. If you, or anyone in your group, require a seated option, please notify a Bernie’s Book Bank team member upon arrival.

Sharing pictures and videos of your experience at Bernie’s Book Bank is highly encouraged! We believe in the power of community — every post, like, and comment helps raise awareness of the children’s literacy crisis in our communities.

Help us spread the word, one post, and one bag of books at a time.

Get Social With Us: @berniesbookbank

Service hour validation forms are available in the Welcome Center. Request a form when you check in for your volunteer shift and pick it up when your shift is complete. If you have a specific school form, please bring it with you.

Bernie’s Book Bank works with individuals on a case-by-case basis toward the completion of their court-mandated community service requirements. Court-ordered volunteers must fill out this application prior to scheduling a volunteer shift.

We ask that you are on-site for the beginning of your volunteer shift, so you don’t miss orientation and training. If you need to leave early, we understand.

We would love to see you on a recurring basis! Thank you for choosing to spend your time with us. To schedule a recurring shift, email [email protected] with your desired frequency.

If interested, we have a growing coalition of passionate volunteers, known as our 50-Hour Club, who commit to giving 50 hours of service across a twelve-month period. Join the 50-Hour Club here.

We are sorry to miss you! Contact our Volunteer Services Specialist to cancel your volunteer shift.

In order to provide an organized, efficient, and meaningful volunteer experience for each person, we cannot accommodate more than the designated number of volunteers per shift. Add your name to the waitlist and/or look for an alternate time on our shift calendar. If you need help finding a shift, please contact us. 

Have More Questions?

GENERAL FAQS BOOK DONATION FAQS BOOK DISTRIBUTION FAQS

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