History has been made! Bernie’s Book Bank and International Keynote Speaker, Ryan Avery, broke the Guinness World Record for the largest book pyramid on Friday, July 27, 2018.
The colorful structure towers over the processing center at Bernie’s Book Bank in Lake Bluff, Ill. measuring 10.6 feet tall and weighing 72,000 pounds.
It took three days and the dedication of more than 100 volunteers to build the pyramid of 144,000 books. This pyramid more than doubled the previous world record of 70,247 books set in Malaysia in 2015. The number 144,000 was chosen to represent the 144 quality children’s books Bernie’s Book Bank provides to every child it serves from birth through 6th grade.
Following the completion of the pyramid on Friday afternoon, Bernie’s Book Bank team members, volunteers, community members and supporters gathered to commemorate the occasion.
A representative from Guinness World Records was onsite to review the attempt and officially present the world record to Bernie’s Book Bank, Breaking History with Ryan Avery and presenting sponsor, ABDO Publishing.
The world record celebration kicked off with confetti and cheering followed by appetizers from Catering by Michaels and refreshments from Terlato Wine Group.
Bernie’s Book Bank CEO, Darrin Utynek, shared his gratitude for everyone who contributed to this achievement.
“There were so many moving parts to accomplish setting this world record,” Utynek said. “Watching our team members orchestrate the coordination of these moving parts was truly remarkable. We are very fortunate to have incredible team members, volunteers, partners and sponsors who support our mission and I am extremely proud of them.”
Every book used for the pyramid was generously donated by the book partners listed below. All donated books for the pyramid will be distributed to the at-risk children Bernie’s Book Bank serves. Special thanks to presenting sponsor, ABDO Publishing, for donating more than 100,000 books.
The book pyramid will be on display at Bernie’s Book Bank until Monday, August 6th. Be sure to stop by and see it before it’s gone!
