Five ways to donate books in 2020

Building a home library is one of the key elements in helping kids develop critical literacy skills at an early age. That’s why after every tutoring session, Reading Partners students choose a book to take home and keep through our Take Reading Home program. Reading Partners’ Take Reading Home selections are always stocked with age- and skill-appropriate books for students to build their home libraries.

Students in the Reading Partners program benefit from the generosity of individuals, families, and corporate partners who collect and donate books for kids to keep. Book donations are collected throughout the year to ensure students can select exciting new books as a reward at the end of their tutoring sessions. 

If you’re looking to spread some joy in the new year, here are some creative ways to donate books to Reading Partners:

#1: Give your favorite books a new home

Are your bookshelves bursting with books? If so, then it might be time to make room for new titles. Keep in mind that your favorite books will have another opportunity to spark joy among kids in need. Do you have children, relatives, coworkers, or friends who might want to join you in paring down their shelves? The more the merrier! Let us know and our staff will gladly reach out to you to coordinate a book drop-off in your area. Contact donate@readingpartners.org.

#2: Share diverse perspectives with students

Students enjoy reading about subjects, characters, and settings where they can see themselves reflected in the books they read. Books with diverse and engaging characters are incredibly popular in our reading centers! Check out this list of great titles that would fly off the Take Reading Home shelves.

#3: Celebrate a special occasion

Looking to celebrate your birthday by giving to others? Honoring a special person in your life? These occasions can be great opportunities to host a book drive! Friends and family who want to celebrate with you can gift their (or your) favorite children’s books to kids in your community. Each time a student opens your book will be a celebration of that special person in your life. 

#4: Make an impact in your community with a service learning project

Donating books is a great example of a service learning project for students of all ages. Students can learn about the importance of having access to books, and host their own book drive to support Reading Partners. Participants can choose some of their favorite books to donate and go the extra mile by pre-sorting books.

#5: Foster team spirit

Looking for an engaging activity to foster team spirit among your coworkers or group of friends? Then, host a book drive at your office or other gathering place. Divide people into teams to collect different types of books to collect and donate. With a book drive, everyone wins and has fun in the process, especially our students! 

For questions or information about donating books to reading partners, please contact our staff at donate@readingpartners.org.