Greater Milwaukee Chapter - Bernie‘s Book Bank

BRINGING THE POWER OF BOOK OWNERSHIP TO CHILDREN IN GREATER MILWAUKEE

Since 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 received 158,480 free, age-appropriate, high-interest, and culturally relevant books.

Counties we will serve: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington, and Waukesha.

Donate

EVERY DOLLAR YOU DONATE IS AN INVESTMENT IN CHANGING FUTURES

Books in a child’s home are the single biggest indicator of academic success — surpassing income, parents’ education, and all other factors. If you want to make a difference in children’s lives, now and in the future, there’s no better way than to help us get books into the homes and hands of children who need them most.

Double your impact, thanks to an inaugural matching gift made in honor of Herbert V. Kohler, Jr.

POWERED BY A PASSIONATE COLLECTIVE OF SUPPORTERS AND VOLUNTEERS

There are many ways to make a difference. Whether you’re volunteering at a pop-up event, hosting a community book drive, or joining a local event, your impact is immediate and meaningful.

Getting books into children’s homes changes their lives. And ours.

MAKE AN IMPACT

Eight adult women volunteers at Bernie's Book Bank Milwaukee office smile while sorting books

ONGOING LOCAL EVENTS AT BERNIE’S BOOK BANK

Book Lovers’ Lunch

An exclusive and inspiring afternoon with a celebrated author and fellow book lovers.

Next Event: May 20th, 2026 - Greater Milwaukee, WI

GREATER MILWAUKEE’S TEAM AND ADVISORY BOARD

Contact the Team

JENNA RENNO

Executive Director

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TESS IDING

Development and Marketing Manager

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Advisory Board

BRIAN ADAMSON

Managing Partner at ICAP Development

ELISSA BOWLIN

Partner at Habush Habush & Rottier, Chair

MEGAN CERBINS

Director of Student Services at Seton Catholic Schools

WARREN CORRADO

Retired Market Development Manager at Hellerman Tyton North American

KEVIN DUFFEY

Director at Baird

JEFF FORMELLER

Senior VP, William Blair

MEENA HELD

Regional Industry Consultant Manager at Rockwell Automation

DANNETTE JUSTUS

Milwaukee Public Schools, District Mentor

CATHERINE KOLTON

VP, District Manager, Town Bank

JOE ROCK

Managing Partner at KPMG Milwaukee

STORIES FROM MILWAUKEE

Close-up of an adult paging through a picture book about an airplane

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“Bernie’s Book Bank is making a tangible difference in the lives of countless children in the local school system. Imagine a world where every child has access to books, where every young mind is nourished with the magic of storytelling, and the wonder of imagination. Bernie’s Book Bank is turning that dream into reality, one book at a time.”
JENNIFER DOUCETTE
Cooper MPS Principal

“When I was 10 years old, I received my very first bag of books from Bernie’s Book Bank. Until then, I had never owned a book of my own. I had borrowed books from the library and read in school, but there was something different about being able to say, ‘This book belongs to me.’”
KIM R.
Past Recipient

“When children have access to books at home, they’re more likely to keep reading. Even students who are reluctant readers can be drawn in when we tap into their interests and match them with the right book. Bernie’s Book Bank is doing vital work by ensuring kids have books in their hands, helping them continue to learn and grow.”
TANYA D. EVANS
MPS District Reading Curriculum Specialist