Lead a book drive or donate books
“Take reading with you” is a cornerstone of the Reading Partners program. We encourage our students to build their personal libraries by offering books from our take reading with you library.
Local businesses and organizations can help Reading Partners build the take reading with you library with donations of new or very gently used children’s books ranging in level from kindergarten to fourth grade, of varying topics and genres. These books go directly to students in the community, enabling them to enjoy their own reading library.
Before you begin: book donation guidelines
In order to provide our students with the most high-quality, desirable texts, we set specific guidelines for book drive donations. At this time, we are seeking the following:
- Multicultural books and books featuring diverse characters (ages 5-9)
- Books for beginning readers
- Award winning books (Caldecott Medal & Honor, Newbery, New York Times Best, Sibert Informational Book Medal, Coretta Scott King Book Award, etc.)
- Graphic novels for grades 3 and 4 such as Dogman/Diary of a Wimpy Kid/Dork Diaries
- Non-fiction texts focused on animals, sports, science, Black History, etc.
- For additional recommendations, check out Reading Partners’ Diverse Book Wishlist!
If you have books you’d like to donate that do not fit these criteria, we recommend checking about making a donation to another local elementary school, library, or a thrift/second hand store. At this time, we are not accepting the following:
- Dirty, dusty, ripped, written in, bent, moldering, or mildewed books.
- Non-fiction texts written over 10 years ago
- Library discards
- Books with television/cartoon characters
- Chapter books that do not have illustrations such as Nancy Drew, Boxcar Children, Babysitter’s Club, etc.
- Religious texts, including holiday books
- Adult/Young Adult texts
- Textbooks
- Encyclopedias, thesauruses, or dictionaries
- Board books
- Audio/Video books
- Instructional materials for teachers
Steps to lead a successful book drive
STEP 1: Reach out to Reading Partners
Contact the Reading Partners location nearest you or reach out to our national office and let us know that you’re interested in hosting a book drive for Reading Partners. We can provide some pointers and give you more information about how to make your donation.
STEP 2: Determine dates and a goal for the book drive
Most groups conduct efforts for two to four weeks. It is also helpful to set a goal for the number of books to be collected, as this inspires many donors and helps you gauge success.
STEP 3: Promote the book drive to your network
Successful efforts usually include multiple messages through email, social media postings, flyers, etc. Messaging should include information about Reading Partners, the need for new or gently used books, guidelines for donations, and details about when and where to drop off donations or how to purchase and send donations by mail. If you need support with flyers or messaging, please let us know.
Flyer link (PDF)
Editable flyer file (Microsoft Word Document)
Editable flyer file (Canva)
STEP 4: If running an in-person book drive, provide “donation bins” at selected drop-off locations and collect books.
Bins should be placed where they are most visible and should be strong enough to hold large numbers of books. In some regions, Reading Partners can loan these to your company. Remember to put a Reading Partners logo and instructions on the bins.
If running a virtual book drive, provide participants with information on how to make a donation (this may include the link to an online Booklist wishlist).
STEP 5: Make and celebrate your donation
As you near the conclusion of the book drive, contact your local Reading Partners team to arrange drop off (either in person or confirm your local office’s address to have books shipped). Don’t forget to celebrate and promote your success by sharing results with local media, employees, customers, and other stakeholders.