OCTOBER 2015
 4,597,529 books distributed since December 2009!

 
THANK YOU FROM A CHILD
NEXT CHAPTER UPDATE

Our new sign at 917 North Shore Dr. in Lake Bluff- easy to find!
 
Check out our new pallet racking system. We will be able to accept and process 700 pallets in the new processing center, allowing us to reach our goal of distributing 
75,000 quality books a week!
It will always be green skies above in our new welcome center!  This is where visitors will sign in to volunteer or donate books, meet up with volunteer group members, purchase gear and enjoy the children's book exhibit.
In This Issue
Thank You From A Child
Next Chapter Update
Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Drive
Holiday Decor and Gift Sale
Brookyln's Bookmarks
New for Volunteers under 18
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
BARNES & NOBLE HOLIDAY BOOK DRIVE
We are so honored to once again be the recipient of books collected during Barnes & Noble's annual Holiday Book Drive.  When
you shop at any of the following stores from November 1 through December 31, you can purchase new children's books to be donated for the children we serve.
  • Crystal Lake
  • Deerfield
  • Deer Park
  • Lincolnshire
  • Vernon Hills
SHOP FOR UNIQUE HOLIDAY DECOR AND GIFTS 
Looking for unique holiday decor and gifts?  Join us for a Holiday "Sip & Shop" at Whitehead Studios featuring a new collection by CRS Designs. 

Whitehead Studios
Holiday "Sip & Shop"
Wednesday, November 11
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  
722 Sheridan Road, Highwood

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Bernie's Book Bank.  Book donations to benefit the children we serve will also be accepted.

Check out more designs
BROOKLYN'S BOOKMARKS
Meet an inspiring 12 year old named Brooklyn. She makes jeweled and beaded bookmarks to sell at craft fairs and was looking for an organization to be her partner - we jumped at the chance!

Brooklyn told us, "I first started small with crafts I gave as Christmas gifts, but then I made my first bookmark and I sold those at school. I got so many compliments that I decided to do my very first craft fair. I was unsatisfied with myself because I knew I wasn't helping anyone.  I love to read and I knew bookmarks and books go very well together. This made me think that for every bookmark I sell I donate a book to a kid who isn't fortunate enough to have any. This is how I found Bernie's Book Bank."

NEW FOR VOLUNTEERS UNDER AGE 18
We are proud to offer a meaningful volunteer experience for volunteers of all ages and abilities. PLEASE NOTE, we now require:
  • Volunteers under the age of 18 need to have a parent/legal guardian sign a parental consent form in order to volunteer.
  • Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a supervising adult, parent or guardian. 
  • Groups with volunteers under the age of 16 will be required to have a ratio of 1 adult for every 4 volunteers under the age of 16.

Click here to print a waiver or download a pdf to send to your group members to be completed and presented before your volunteer session.

 

Questions? email Andy Donovan: [email protected] or Scott Kulefsky: [email protected]
A MESSAGE FROM BRIAN
Dear Berniacs,
 
Henry Ford said, "Coming together is a beginning.  Keeping together is progress.  Working together is success."
 
As we prepare to transition into our expanded facility, I want to recognize all of YOU who continue to work together for the mission of Bernie's Book Bank!  I feel extremely blessed to work together with YOU.

Brian's signature 
Brian Floriani
Founder & Executive Director
847-780-READ (7323)
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