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Reading is one of the most important skills a child needs, yet a study done by Reading Literacy in the U.S. showed that 61% of low-income families have no books in their homes for their children.
This is a solvable problem! Bernie’s Book Bank focuses on under-resourced communities, where children ages birth-6th grade are the least likely to have access to books of their own. Bernie’s annually delivers eight age-appropriate, high-interest, and culturally relevant books to help kids build an at-home library. In 2024-25, they partnered with 60 MPS schools!
Activities
We will kick off our morning together with an engaging story time about literacy, books, and the wonderful world it opens. Then, we will get a tour of Bernie’s Book Bank’s brand new space. And finally, we will get to work! The kids will be in charge of placing stickers on books to prepare them for distribution.
Impact
Our kids will make a direct impact on other children by spreading the joy of literacy and helping prepare the books that kick start home libraries for students across the Greater Milwaukee area.
Bernie’s Book Bank conducted a five-year randomized controlled trial and found that students attending schools that receive its books achieved statistically significant reading gains relative to their counterparts in control schools! Access to books is critical!
When & Where
Wednesday, October 28 from 9:30-11 a.m.
Bernie’s Book Bank
5235 N. Ironwood Rd., Glendale 53217
Park in the parking lot on the side of the building. Enter the main front doors.
Registration Information
Participant Cap: 20 volunteers
Ages: This session was designed for ages 6 and under
Cost: Free to attend! Optionally – bring a children’s book or two in dignity condition to donate to Bernie’s Book Bank.
Materials:Wear comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes
Questions: Email kitty@kicmke.org with any specific questions.
Cancellations: We count on our registered volunteers to make these projects come to life. However, we understand illness and emergencies do come up so if you can no longer participate, please email kitty@kicmke.org ASAP so we can fill your spot.
Our Partner
Bernie’s Book Bank was founded in 2009 in Chicago and today has hand-delivered over 31 million free, high-quality books. Their model allows them to source, process and distribute eight books every year to children from birth to sixth grade so they can have a home library of their very own and always have a book within reach. In 2018, Milwaukee became their first site of expansion. They officially opened a brand new warehouse here in October 2026. For more information, visit their website.
Young Changemakers’ Week
This project is just one of the events in Young Changemakers’ Week. This week includes a variety of service opportunities that are designed to ignite a passion for service in our youngest community members (ages newborn to kindergarten).
Join us for a week focused on our littlest helping hands! And, invite a friend to join you!