Next Door ’s Books for Kids program was established in 1990 with the hope that all children in Milwaukee’s central city, regardless of family income or education levels, could have books to call their own. Books for Kids is based on the premise that children who have books of their own possess limitless opportunity.
Since its inception, the program has distributed more than 1,400,000 books in the Milwaukee area. Books for Kids primarily collects books for distribution through organized book drives at schools, businesses, and other community-wide events.
Placing books into the hands of Milwaukee’s central city children is essential because:
- Low-income families have few children’s books at in their homes.
- The number of books in a child’s home correlates significantly with reading achievement.
- The number of books available to a child plays a role in predicting first grade reading achievement.
- Reading ability is a strong predictor of success and interest in school.
By expanding the number and frequency of reading experiences, Books for Kids inspires young people to develop an appreciation and love for books. As a result, Milwaukee children improve reading fundamentals, school preparedness, and their chances of achieving long-term academic success.
Books for Kids relies on financial gifts from local corporations, foundations and individuals. The program has received grant support from The Harley-Davidson Foundation, Fleck Foundation, Schwartz Bookshops, J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation, Target Stores, Faye McBeath Foundation, Bessie A. & Harold M. Stratton Fund and Journal Communications, Inc.
Book Collection
During the 2007 program year, Books for Kids collected more than 120,000 books. Once the books are received, they are sorted, stored and distributed in the Books for Kids “Giving Library” located within Next Door’s center. The September U.S. Postal Drive brought in about 30% of the total with more than 40,000 books collected.
Book Distribution
During 2007, Books for Kids distributed approximately 107,000 books to Milwaukee children. To accomplish this remarkable achievement, the program utilized hundreds of volunteers who donated thousands of hours of their time to collect and distribute books at many different locations.
Books for Kids is a vital resource for many schools and non-profits in Milwaukee. Books for Kids also traveled to neighborhood festivals and fairs to hand out books to children in the community.
Teachers, to learn more about Teacher Thursdays, click here.
Collaborations
Books for Kids maintains active partnerships with many corporations, churches, and schools. Some current Books for Kids partnerships include: Harley-Davidson Motor Company, U.S. Postal Service, Roundy's Foundation Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops, Clarke Street School, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Reformation Lutheran Church, Cardinal Stritch University, and Jack and Jill of America.
Individuals, congregations, businesses and community groups come to the center Monday through Thursday to read in small groups to our 1 to 5 year-olds. The Read With Me program helps young children build comprehension and pre-reading skills. To Volunteer, call 414-562-2929 ext.109.