The Children’s Book Bank – promoting a love of reading in lower income children

The Children’s Book Bank just opened up in Toronto. It’s like a cross between a children’s book store and a library, only they give books away for free to children from low-income families, help children find the books that fit them, and read with the children. Children are allowed to take one book per visit, and there is no limit on the number of visits a child can make. This encourages low-income children to read, and allows them to experience the joy of owning their own books. What an incredible, beautiful idea! And what a wonderful organization. I love that someone not only thought of the idea, but had enough energy and focus to bring this into an actual charitable organization.

The books that the Children’s Book Bank give to the children are all gently used or new books they’ve acquired through donations. If you’d like to donate books or money, you can visit their website. The Children’s Book Bank caters to children ages 2-12, and “works to support and develop each child’s interest in and success with reading. In addition to providing books, The Children’s Book Bank offers literacy support and programming.”

If you want to visit them in person, head on down to 350 Berkeley Street in Toronto.

May 16th, 2008