Who can volunteer at Bernie’s Book Bank?
Everyone! We welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities. Bring your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to volunteer and experience how good helping others feels. To find out more about when you can volunteer at Bernie’s, click here.
Does Bernie’s have a secret club?
Why, yes! Although it isn’t quite so secret, Bernie’s Book Bank hosted the 50 Hour Club, a group of volunteers who commit to volunteering 50 hours over the course of the year. If you sign up, membership requires you to commit to volunteering 50 Hours (25 2-hour shifts) over a 12 month period. As part of the 50 Hour Club, you will receive ongoing communication via email, enjoy permanent recognition in the Bernie’s Book Bank processing Center, receive an exclusive t-shirt and most importantly, support the children we serve in a meaningful way.
How does Bernie’s Book Bank help fight against the literacy crisis?
We believe books and reading are both the vehicle and the road to a better life. Our organization helps to collect, process, and distribute books to at-risk children in the Chicagoland area. Research is clear that children’s book ownership, starting at a very young age, is imperative to gaining an appreciation for books, developing “reading readiness,” supporting literacy growth throughout the primary years, and ultimately becoming a skilled reader. We do what we do because we believe in the powerful impact book ownership can have in bettering the lives of at-risk youth in America. To learn more about the importance of literacy, click here.