Children’s Book Project gives books to children who need them for equity in literacy, learning, and life. 

Our goal is to create a more socially just world by providing books for free to children from under-resourced communities. Literacy attainment is directly tied to academic achievement and lifetime outcomes, yet children living in economically disadvantaged circumstances do not have the same access to books as their more affluent peers. Children’s Book Project is committed to closing the opportunity gap and lifting up our community by raising readers and ultimately paving the way for lifelong learning and literacy.

Our News

Volunteer Spotlight

We’re delighted Caitlin Garcia, a rising senior at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, is serving as our media and marketing intern this summer. Caitlin wanted to explore the nonprofit sector in her internship for her Journalism/Public Relations major, and finds the Children’s Book Project is “a great place to work for the good of the public.” When she began her internship in June, Caitlin was shocked to learn that literacy rates of children who lack of access to enough — or any — books of their own lag so far behind better resourced children. Caitlin loves when new clients visit the Book Bank: “They’re so surprised and happy with what we have to offer, and so excited because they’ll be able to give great books to the kids they work with.”

Stock Up for the New School Year!

It’s Back-to-School season at the Book Bank, and our shelves are full of beautiful books for children ages 0–18. Our wonderful supporters donate books and run book drives all year round so we can keep engaging, free books flowing to the kids who need them most. So far this year, our dedicated team of volunteers and staff have counted and sorted more than 85,000 donated children’s books, and shelved them in our airy and welcoming Book Bank so clients can easily select just the right books for the children they serve.

Studies show that learning outcomes for many students have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, but kids who have access to appealing books of their own — as well as in the classroom — are more likely to read for fun and thrive. So come on in to the Book Bank to Give Books, Get Books, and Volunteer so all children have access to the books they need for equity in literacy, learning, and life!

Five Little Monkeys Gives Back on August 12

Our wonderful supporters at Five Little Monkeys will donate 10% of all sales (online or in-store) on Saturday, August 12, to Children’s Book Project!

Five Little Monkeys is a community based, hands-on toy store focused on providing unique, high-quality toys and books in a fun and friendly environment. Their carefully curated selection focuses on creative toys for imaginative minds that are educational, sustainable, and have exceptional play value.

There are seven locations to visit around the Bay Area: Albany, Berkeley, Burlingame, Corte Madera, Lafayette, Novato, and Pleasanton, and always open at 5littlemonkeys.com.

Our Book Bank is open by appointment to Give Books, Get Books, and Volunteer!
Click the links to schedule online.

Know before you go: Properly fitted face masks required for all inside the Book Bank. We will supply one if you don’t have your own.

So far in 2023:

807

VOLUNTEER HOURS

110,377

BOOKS RECEIVED

106,124

BOOKS GIVEN AWAY

3,130,487

BOOKS GIVEN AWAY SINCE 1992

Our Clients

Our Supporters