EdVenture’s Book Bank exists to put as many books as possible into the hands and lives of children in need.
Our Mission:
The EdVenture Book Bank exists to get age appropriate books into the hands of children who need them.
Since 2012, The EdVenture Book Bank has collected and distributed over 10,000 books to children in underserved areas throughout the Midlands. By providing new or like new, age appropriate books to children, we are opening the doors to a lifetime love of learning.
The Need:
In low-income communities, books and educational resources are scarce. Kids start school behind their more affluent peers and never catch up.
- In low-income neighborhoods, the ratio of books to children is one book for every 300 children. Middle-income neighborhoods average 13 age-appropriate books per child. (Handbook of Early Literacy Research 2006)
- Children from low-income homes heard 30 million fewer words by the time they were 3 years old, resulting in vocabularies less than 50% the size of their upper-income peers. In contrast, the greater number of words children heard before age 3, the greater their IQs and success in school. *
- A child from a low-income family enters kindergarten with a listening vocabulary of 3000 words, compared to 20,000 for their middle income peers.* (Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley. Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experiences of Young American Children. Paul H. Brookes Publishing, 1995.)
How You Can Help
- Host a Book Drive
- The EdVenture Book Bank thrives on the support of the community. We welcome you to host a book drive at your organization, school, club, faith group, office, scout event, book group, team event and more.
- Your book donations will be cleaned, plated and will go directly into the hands of children who need them.
- Donate your Time
- The EdVenture Book Bank is always looking for volunteers to help clean, sort, plate and distribute books.
- Monetary Donations
- The EdVenture Book Bank requires approximately 7,000 books to operate per year. Operation donations assist in purchasing high demand books such as Spanish-language books, helps with organizing book drives, and training volunteers to process incoming donations and outgoing requests.
FAQs
EdVenture Book Bank FAQ’s
Q: Where can I donate books?
A: You can donate books at EdVenture’s Columbia location. (211 Gervais Street)
Q: What books are needed?
A: Books should be new or like-new. Board books, picture books, early chapter books and bilingual books are in high demand.
Q: What books are accepted?
A: EdVenture's Book Bank does not accept encyclopedias, school text books, books for adult readers, magazines, VHS tapes/DVD’s/CD’s or toys. Books must be in good condition without damage or marks (such as writing).
Q: How will my donated books be used?
A: Your donation of books will be cleaned, sorted and plated. All books will go directly into the hands of a child in need.
Q: How do I host a book drive for the EdVenture Children’s Book Bank?
A: EdVenture's Book Bank thrives on the generosity of the community. We welcome you to host a book drive at your school, club, organization, faith group, office, scout event, book group, team event, party, etc. Here's a checklist for hosting a book drive:
- Decide the scope (Friends and Family, Small Group, Whole Organization, etc.)
- Choose a date range: 1 - 2 weeks works well (3 weeks for larger groups and congregations)
- Or choose a single event (party, meeting, game, etc.)
- Set and advertise your goal. Challenges with other groups are fun!
- Decide where your books should be dropped off (your home, a common area in your organization...)
- Strategically place clearly labeled collection boxes as needed
- Spread the word! Send our messages to friends, family and colleagues at the beginning and throughout your drive. Use e-mail, posters, flyers and social media to get the word out. Be creative!
- At the end of your drive, collect all donated books and place neatly in boxes with lids. While packing, feel free to discard any damaged, outdated or musty books
- Deliver your books to EdVenture Columbia.
- Complete a donation form.
Q: How can I get books from the EdVenture Children’s Book Bank?
A: Coming Fall 2020. An online donation request form will be available to the public. Books will be donated exclusively to organizations, classes, clubs, etc. that directly serve those in need. Books are not guaranteed and on a first come, first served basis.
Q: Can I donate monetary funds to the EdVenture Children’s Book Bank?
A: YES! The EdVenture Book Bank requires approximately 7,000 books to operate per year. Operation donations assist in purchasing high demand books such as Spanish-language books, helps with organizing book drives, and training volunteers to process incoming donations and outgoing requests.
Q: Can I volunteer with the EdVenture Children’s Book Bank?
A: The EdVenture Book Bank is always looking for volunteers to help clean, sort, plate and distribute books! Apply to be a volunteer through our website. EdVenture.org/volunteer
Book Donation Request
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