Background

Once upon a time (in 2014) Cleveland was a book desert. This inspired volunteer activists Judy Payne, Judi Kovach, and others to place dozens of Little Free Libraries near Cleveland’d elementary schools.

By fall 2015, the Cleveland Little Free Library Movement was supporting 60 Little Free Libraries and required an endless supply of books to stay stocked. Judy and Judi contacted an online used bookseller who was sending more than 100,000 usable children’s books to recycling every month. Our founders worked tirelessly so that these books could instead be put into the hands of children. And in early 2016, the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank was born.

Since then we’ve diversified our book sourcing. We’ve installed 23 outdoor book collection bins throughout Greater Cleveland.

Between the books from these bins and monthly book drives held by companies, schools, and individuals, more than 70% of our inventory comes from community donations. The rest of our books are purchased in a combination of brand-new books featuring diverse characters and donated bulk used books.

Learn more about our campaign for diverse books—Books Like Me campaign.

Cleveland Kids' Book Bank

Active campaigns

Bet on Books: Escape to Neverland New

Past campaigns

BET ON BOOKS: A Night in Wonderland