SUMMER 2015
    4,242,132 books distributed since December 2009!

 
THANK YOU FROM A CHILD
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS 
The first annual Battle of the Books was a great success!  Five leading financial services companies competed to see who could collect the most books for the children we serve:
  • Ariel Investments
  • CNA
  • Loop Capital
  • Mesirow Financial
  • The PrivateBank
CNA took first place - employees donated books and funds that allows us to collect, process and distribute more 101,000 books! To celebrate, they created this awesome billboard.  Look for it:
  • Eastbound I-290 @ Mannheim Rd, Facing West 
  • Tri-State (I-294) E/S .6 Mi North of Wolf, Facing North
  • Tri-State (I-294) E/S .5 Mi North of North, Facing South


In total, these five companies collected books and funds that allow us to serve more than 10,700 children with 12 quality books each!

We are so grateful to everyone who participated in this friendly competition to benefit the at-risk children of Chicagoland!  

We can't wait to see what happens next year!
In This Issue
Thank You From A Child
Battle of the Books
Buffalo Grove Days
Summer Book Distributions
Niles Township Drive
A Message From Brian
Our Mission

Bernie's Book Bank collects, processes and distributes quality new and gently used children's books to significantly increase BOOK OWNERSHIP among at-risk infants, toddlers and school age children throughout Chicagoland.

 

We have distributed over 4 MILLION books since December 2009 and now serve more than 110,000 at-risk children annually.

Our Goals
To collect, process and distribute 4 MILLION quality books per year by the end of 2016. To serve all at-risk children in the Chicagoland area with 12 quality books per year.
Get Involved
Watch Our Video
Bernie's Book Bank Distribution Video
Bernie's Book Bank Distribution Video
VOLUNTEER AT BUFFALO GROVE DAYS
Join us for Buffalo Grove Days September 4-6!  

We are looking for volunteers to help host the Bernie's Book Bank booth at Buffalo Grove Days, a fun community festival which includes a carnival, live entertainment, a parade, fireworks, bingo, food tent, arts and crafts fair, business fair, pancake breakfast, BBQ challenge, kids craft tent, and more!

You'll help spread awareness for Bernie's Book Bank and get to enjoy the festivities!
Families are welcome to volunteer together!
   
SUMMER BOOK DISTRIBUTIONS
Even though school is out for summer, we are still busy distributing books to children who need them. 

Here are some of the great agencies we are honored to partner with to help prevent "summer slide" by providing each child served with 12 quality books to call their own:
  • Chicago Public Library & Rahm's Readers
  • Chicago Park District
  • Greater Chicago Food Depository
  • Northern Illinois Food Bank
  • Beacon Place 
  • North Chicago Community Partners
  • Catholic Charities
  • Bears Care
  • Northwestern Settlement House
  • James R. Jordan Foundation
  • McGaw YMCA Children's Center 
THANK YOU TO NILES TOWNSHIP
We want to give Niles Township Government a big round of applause.  They brought together all the agencies under their umbrella to create a true community book drive!  They collected more than 15,000 books for the children we serve in just two short weeks!  
Marilyn Glazer, Supervisor of Niles Township with Bernie's Book Bank Collection Specialist Andy Donovan
  • Glenview Park District
  • Glenview Youth Services
  • Lincolnwood Parks & Recreation
  • Morton Grove Park District
  • Niles Park District
  • Skokie Park District
Collections bins were placed at park district sites, including park district day camp and government offices. Everyone worked together to promote the drive, including creating great video interviews with township leaders to share with community members. Click here to watch!
A MESSAGE FROM BRIAN

Dear Berniacs,

 

I continue to be amazed by the growth of support from book donors, financial supporters, volunteers, board members, committee members and team members.  It's inspiring, humbling and just incredible.

 

Beyond the hustle and bustle of our day to day activity at the book bank, we have been very busy planning for the future. 

We have many more children to provide books for a better life.

It's time for our Next Chapter and it's time to take what we do to an entirely NEW level!

 

Keep an eye on your mailbox and inbox for the exciting news to come in the days ahead.

 

Thank you for all your continued support.  It is needed and appreciated!

Brian's signature 

Brian Floriani

Founder & Executive Director
847-780-READ (7323)
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