What We Do
Kids need books. Unfortunately, many children do not have them, because of the cost. Without books to read, literacy, education and opportunities decline. Books for Me! was formed for the purpose of distributing free books to children 2-12 years of age.
From its inaugural location at Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House, in October 2011, Books for Me! has grown to include programs at Bob & Kay Ackles YMCA Nanook House, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Thunderbird Community Center, and Graham Bruce, Tillicum Annex, Champlain Heights Annex and Admiral Seymour Elementary Schools.
Processes vary slightly by location, but the core approach is the same: a wide selection of children's books is attractively displayed, then children and their families, depending on the program, are welcomed by volunteers and have the chance to browse through the books and choose one to take home. Our Guidelines are simple. At Schools, including StrongStart programs, each child may choose one free book per visit. At Neighbourhood Houses, daycares and Community Centres each child and each caregiver may choose one free book per visit.
What seems magical to the children in the program is the permanence of the gift of the book - as one of our smallest visitors said after getting her first book "I get to keep the book for ever and ever!"
We support the responsible recycling of gently used books and we promote community sharing through facilitating book drives by schools and organizations.
Charitable registration number: 825841208RR0001
