FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You’ve got the questions, we’ve got the answers
Read on for answers to all of your book donation questions.
What type of books do you accept?
We accept new and gently used children’s books for children from birth through 6th grade reading level. We love them all – fiction, non-fiction, chapter books, picture books and everything in between. Whatever your children love to read is what our children love to read. However, we don’t distribute textbooks, dictionaries, activity books, coloring books, reference material or religious books.
Where can I donate my books?
You can donate book at any of our book drop locations. Simply enter your zip code in the book donation locator to find the location nearest you.
Do I need to call ahead to drop off books?
Every book drop location has different hours of operation therefore we advise that you confirm the hours the location is open before driving over to drop off books.
Can I get a tax receipt if I drop off books at one of the book donation locations?
Yes, you can fill out a book donation tax receipt request.
What does Bernie’s Book Bank do with the books?
Every child we serve receives 8 books per year! Once your generous donation is received at the Bernie’s Book Bank processing center, volunteers processes the books by age level and pack them up to distribute to under-served children all over Chicagoland. Learn more about volunteering.
Can I come volunteer when I drop off books at Bernie’s Book Bank?
Yes! We invite you to see where your books go and volunteer at any of our weekly volunteer sessions. We welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities. Learn more about volunteering at Bernie’s Book Bank.
I don’t have any books at home to donate. Should I go buy some? Or can I make a monetary donation?
It might sound counterintuitive, but please do not buy books since your dollars will go much farther if you let us source the books with our long-time partners. Financial donations of any size enable us to serve more children with books and we are grateful for your support. Every $16 donation helps to provide 8 books for an under-served child. You can make a contribution here.
How can I coordinate a book drive?
You can coordinate a book drive by filling out this form and visiting our “Organize a Book Drive” page.
My question is not listed here. Is there someone I can talk to?
Contact Carol Collier, our Used Book Acquisitions Specialist, at [email protected] or 847-780-READ (7323) and she will gladly talk things through with you.
Hosting a book drive is a fun, easy and impactful project for your school, civic organization or company.
Ready to donate books?
Enter your zip code into the book drop locator to find the book drop location nearest you!
You don't have to work in education to know that there are many factors in learning to be a successful reader, but none is as important as having actual access to personal books. Bernie's Book Bank comes walking right into the classrooms on a regular basis and makes the impossible possible for these children.