654,747 books distributed to date!

Picture this: It's the first day of school for a group of six-year-old children. Fifteen out of 20 children have never seen a book before in their lives. They don't know their letters and numbers, or the difference between them. Through no fault of their own, they arrive to the first day of school four years behind and struggle over the coming years to catch up.

Photos of Scammon Elementary Students by Eileen Ryan

Because there are so many children (about 75% in many at-risk communities) entering school so far behind in reading, the school has to devote more time to reading instruction. Children get pulled out of class every day to work on reading, and the school begins to peel away the "fun" things - music, art, drama, science, gym class. Before long, school becomes nothing more than a reading and math drill for every child, regardless of his or her ability, because reading and math proficiency are non-negotiables. As a result, some kids become frustrated and check out, never to return, never to love learning.

 

Since children are now surrounded by books from birth, they are more likely to arrive at school "reading ready." The school no longer has to devote significant time, money and resources to reading intervention, and they begin adding back in the fun things that create our future's artists, musicians, scientists and leaders. The teachers and administrators are happier because they can offer a well-rounded, successful curriculum. And children are happier and more successful because they're not frustrated and struggling anymore. Now, school is more than just a drill. It's a place to celebrate learning at all levels.

That's the vision that Bernie's Book Bank has for our future. We're delivering on that promise today with more than 40,000 children. But there are 200,000+ more at-risk children who need our help. 

The ability to read is a non-negotiable in any successful educational journey. And you can't learn to read without access to books. It's that simple. The research is clear. With your help, we'll get there.

Awareness = Success!

Introduce your friends to Bernie's Book Bank. 

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On Saturday, June 16, Bernie's Book Bank will look and sound more like Bookstock than a Book Bank as we host our 2nd annual Rock the Bank fundraiser from 6 pm - Midnight! 

This musical showcase of local artists will include three great bands, fabulous food and drinks, and a fantastic concert experience under a big tent.You won't want to miss it!

Rock the Bank is our largest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds go toward serving the 40,000 children currently in our program, and expanding our program to include more children.

Tickets are on sale now! 

$50 in advance, $75 in June.

VIP tickets are also available for more discerning concert attendees. VIP tickets include special seating, personal bottle service, backstage passes, Rock Star parking, and up to eight Rock the Bank 2012 concert t-shirts. Click here to purchase tickets and for details about the day's events, the musicians, and Limited Edition Rock the Bank t-shirts.

Special thanks to our Rock the Bank Major Sponsors: Wintrust Community Banks, Lake Forest Pediatric Dentistry, Indeck Power Equipment Company, Copia Capital and the Chicago Bears.

Thanks to all of our sponsors and donors: GEM Realty Capital, Zebra Technologies, United Services Disaster Recovery and Clean-up, EJ Graphics, Fast Signs of Gurnee, Paul Davis Restoration, Jack's Tents, Bob Chinn's Crab House, Modern Event Rental, Classic Toyota Scion Kia, MillerCoors, Glunz Family Winery, Wirtz Distributors, Sports 11, Long Grove Cafe, Sunset Foods, Porta Jane, Barnes & Noble, Popcorn Factory, Hel's Kitchen, Morning Glory Flower Shops, Whole Foods.