Bernie’s Book Bank and International Keynote Speaker, Ryan Avery, are teaming up to attempt a new Guinness World Record for the largest book pyramid on July 27, 2018 at Bernie’s Book Bank in Lake Bluff, Ill.
The current world record for the largest book pyramid stands at 70,247 books. Bernie’s Book Bank and Ryan Avery plan to more than double the current record, using 144,000 quality children’s books. The number 144,000 represents the 144 quality books Bernie’s Book Bank provides to every child it serves from birth through 6th grade.
“Our goal with the Breaking History movement is to bring attention to big issues affecting our local communities,” Avery said. “The team at Bernie’s Book Bank has spent countless hours preparing to break this world record to spotlight the at-risk children they serve and we look forward to seeing the pyramid stand tall when the final 144,000th book is added on July 27th.”
Bernie’s Book Bank CEO, Darrin Utynek, highlighted the importance of the world record attempt to the organization’s mission.
“Breaking the world record for the largest book pyramid is a unique way to raise awareness for the work Bernie’s Book Bank is doing to solve the literacy crisis,” Utynek said. “Once the pyramid is built, the 144,000 books will be distributed to the at-risk children Bernie’s Book Bank serves.”
The brand-new books for the pyramid have been generously donated by a variety of publishers. Presenting sponsor, ABDO Publishing, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota donated more than 100,000 books for the record-breaking pyramid.
Additional books for the pyramid were donated by American Book Company, Better World Books, Book Depot, Capstone Publishing, Children’s Plus, Inc., Cottage Door Press, Flowerpot Press, Follett, Hachette Book Group, Independent Publishers Group, Kane Press, Lerner Publishing Group, Mascot Books, Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House, ReaderLink Distribution Services, LLC., Simon & Schuster, Time Inc. Books and U.S. Media Partners.
To make the pyramid a reality, Bernie’s Book Bank needs community volunteers July 25-27. Visit berniesbookbank.org/book-pyramid for more information.
A Guinness World Record representative plans to be onsite to declare the official status of the pyramid. Following the pyramid completion, Bernie’s Book Bank will host a celebration to commemorate the record-breaking event. Volunteers and supporters are welcome to enjoy refreshments beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 27. The celebration is generously supported by Catering by Michaels and Terlato Wine Group. Ongoing support provided by AbbVie, KPMG, William Blair, Wintrust and Zebra enable Bernie’s Book Bank to empower 300,000 at-risk Chicagoland children to read their way to a better life.