Organize a Book Drive

Kids looking through books that came from a book drive.

Each year, we give away thousands of books to kids — and we rely on book donations from the community. One of the best ways you can help ensure kids have access to books at home is by organizing a book drive in your company, organization, or community group any time of year! Here’s how it works:

  1. Identify a collection point and have boxes ready to collect books. Need boxes? Proper boxes protect books and backs! Click here to order inexpensive banker boxes with lids which can be delivered directly to you.
  2. Promote your book drive. Click here to access a toolkit with customizable flyers, social media graphics, and signage for your collection boxes.
  3. Collect books! See below for information about the types of books we accept, as well as how to collect financial donations or other supplies if you choose.
  4. Deliver your books to the Book Bank. Click here for our location and hours. 

We’re happy to help! Reach out to us at bookbank@smartreading.org for more information. 

Books needed:

Books we are currently unable to re-home: musty or damaged books, magazines, coloring books, encyclopedias, textbooks, ex-library books, ex-school library books, classroom sets, books for adults, chapter books and picture books for older elementary students

Financial contribution

Offer the option of donating online during your book drive. Financial donations help us purchase new culturally relevant and home-language books. Don’t forget to check whether your company matches gifts so you and your team members can increase the impact of your personal donations.

Donate Other Supplies

Consider a supply drive as part of your book drive. New book cleaning supplies from our wish list are much needed!