Help Us Buy Books for Children Living in Poverty

In response to COVID-19, schools across Los Angeles will remain closed through the end of the academic year. In the best of times, children in the communities we serve have very limited access to books. These are not the best of times. 
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Access Books and The Book Foundation have launched a campaign to secure thousands of new, high-quality books for all grade levels that will help with student learning activities as well as books with themes that will bring readers some measure of joy and comfort.

This donation is critical. Recently, a principal at a South Los Angeles elementary school wrote to let us know what a book donation would mean for her students:

"Now, more than ever, our students need access to books. In many of the communities we serve, the only books children have are the books our schools provide for them. With schools closed, our students are missing out on the opportunity to have rich literary experiences. Most of our families also do not have access to technology, so there is no platform for access. Books donated to students would greatly help schools in our efforts to continue the learning at home and to provide our students with the literary experiences they deserve."

Books purchased through this campaign will go directly to high-need students across Los Angeles County and students served by select Los Angeles Unified School District Grab-and-Go centers located in underserved communities. 

Help us reach our goal of $50,000. Text (844) 618-0582 and type "give" or donate below – 100% of the proceeds will be used to buy new books for children.

DONATE

We are also seeking volunteers for book distribution sites. Click below to see opportunities currently available.

Volunteer

In addition to cash donations, we are accepting new and gently used books appropriate for grades K-9 (no adult books). These books are for pleasure reading -- absolutely no textbooks, encyclopedias, or activity books. Additional guidelines:

• Think of your book donation as a gift. That is, please only donate books that you would feel comfortable giving a child for a birthday or holiday.
• Your donation should be in excellent condition and high-interest. Popular series and authors are encouraged.
• Books should be published within the last 5 years.
• Your trash is not someone else's treasure! All children deserve new, colorful, and popular books. Please donate old encyclopedias and well-worn books to the thrift store.

If you are interested in donating books, please email [email protected].