WordPlay Connects provides free books to young West Virginians and broadens access to authors, illustrators, and new ways of seeing the world. Since 2022, WordPlay Connects - the nonprofit arm of WordPlay bookstore in Wardensville WV - has gifted more than 15,500 new books (valued at $216,000+) to young readers in our five-county region.*

We’ve hosted 22 award-winning authors and illustrators for 61 school programs–at no cost to schools or students!
More than 8,700 students have met these inspiring creators, listened to their stories, and received free, signed copies of their books to take home and treasure.
More than 4,500 other young readers have eagerly chosen free books at 90-plus community events, including Trick or Treat and Read, storytimes, family programs, and festivals.

As a community banker, you know the challenges facing children and their families in our neck of the woods. Many rural families have limited access to books - and there are rarely, if ever, opportunities to meet bestselling authors and illustrators in person.

Your support of Banks for Books is an investment in young West Virginians, helping them discover new stories and build robust home libraries, filled with books they love. Together, we’ll spark excitement around reading, writing, and creative possibility in our region - and the positive impact will spread to kids’ families, their communities, and beyond.

Can we count on your support?

* WordPlay Connects serves Hardy, Hampshire, Grant, Mineral, and Pendleton counties.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2025 - 2026 SCHOOL YEAR

Champion of Reading Sponsor $2500

Sponsor author/illustrator presentation at one school** and provide free signed books for 200+ young readers

Exclusive opportunity to introduce author/illustrator at school event and assist with book distribution
Signage at school event recognizing your support
Option to provide promotional gift bag to school staff
Logo and name featured prominently on Banks for Books bookmarks given to students throughout the school year
Recognition on WordPlay Connects social channels and in local media release
Logo and name on wordplayconnects.org

Literacy Advocate $1000

Provide free signed books for 100 young readers

Logo and name on Banks for Books bookmarks given to students throughout the school year
Recognition on WordPlay Connects social channels and in local media release
Logo and name on wordplayconnects.org

Reading Patron $750

Provide free books for 75 young readers

Name on Banks for Books bookmarks given to students throughout the school year
Recognition in local media release
Name on wordplayconnects.org

Book Partner $500

Provide free books for 50 young readers

Name on Banks for Books bookmarks given to students throughout the school year
Name on wordplayconnects.org

** Priority given to sponsor’s preferred county and, when possible, the school and grade levels.

Banks For Books

By WordPlay Connects

Banks For Books

Invest in young readers by supporting BANKS FOR BOOKS this school year!