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About Us
- - - About Us
      
      Bernie’s Book Bank sources, processes and distributes free quality children’s books throughout Chicagoland to empower children to explore new ideas, gain knowledge, and strengthen reading skills through book ownership.
      Read Our Story
  - - BoardLearn more about our Board of Directors, Book Council and Associates Board whose leadership drives our mission.
    - PartnersGenerous publishers, corporations and civic organizations invest in the children we serve and we are extremely grateful.
Our Chapters
- - - We are building an American Institution- a metropolitan-based children’s book bank model that is ultra-effective, efficient, scalable, and sustainable.
    - Learn More
  - - ChicagolandSince its founding in 2009, Bernie’s Book Bank has served countless children in Chicagoland. In 2024 local children attending over 950 Title 1 schools and early childhood programs received 2,409,599 free, age-appropriate, high-interest, and culturally relevant books.
    - MilwaukeeSince 2019, Bernie’s Book Bank has served the Greater Milwaukee area. In the 2024-2025 academic year local children attending 60 Title 1 schools and early childhood programs will receive 160,000 free, age-appropriate, high-interest, and culturally relevant books.
  - - Florida's SuncoastBernie’s Book Bank is officially expanding into the Florida Suncoast community intending to serve all qualifying 330,000 children.
Ways to Give
- - - Donate Now
      
      Your generosity empowers Chicagoland children through book ownership. Our efficient, effective, scalable approach to providing books allows us to serve nearly 300,000 Chicagoland children annually.
      Donate
Get Involved
- - - Get Involved
      
      Donate your new and gently used books and help Bernie’s Book Bank empower Chicagoland children through book ownership!
      Donate Books
  - - Corporate & Civic Groups
  - - Individuals & Families
Events
- - - Featured Event
      
      Patrick Mannelly Award - Winter 2025 | Experience college football history as we name the top collegiate long snapper in the nation.
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