Philly Bookshelf
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We Need Your Help.

Here's How You Can Get Involved.

Individuals, groups and businesses are invited to participate in our projects.  

 
 
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Host a Community Bookshelf

Philly Bookshelf's Community Bookshelf program pays for structures to house free books in locations that the public can easily access and stocks the structures with books. In order to successfully run the Community Bookshelf program, we need community partners who are willing to serve as hosts for our bookshelves at locations throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding area. Schools, universities, neighborhood associations, community gardens, coffee shops, service providers, nonprofits, libraries, private businesses, and other groups are perfect hosts of Community Bookshelves. 

What does it take to host a bookshelf? 

  • A great location that has foot traffic, easy access to the Community Bookshelf that won't obstruct any walkways, and complies with any applicable zoning laws.

  • Hosts to oversee the Community Bookshelf:

    • Install and check on the Community Bookshelf regularly.

    • If you run low on books, host a book drive and/or contact us to help restock the Community Bookshelf.

    • Take care of basic maintenance or inform us of any significant damage or needs.

    • Promote use of the Community Bookshelf to the surrounding area.

It's an easy and great way to support reading in your neighborhood!  To sign up to Host a Community Bookshelf, CLICK HERE.


Donate

Help us increase access to books by making a donation today. Together we can make an impact on literacy in the Philadelphia area by creating a book centered community.

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Host a Book Drive

Philly Bookshelf gives away new and gently used books throughout the Philadelphia region. We need thousands of books every year. Holding a book drive at your school, book club, scout troop, civic group, neighborhood, and workplace is an excellent way to help! If you are in the Seattle area, we can arrange to pick up the books from you.

If you are interested in Hosting a Book Drive, CLICK HERE.

 


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Sponsor a Classroom or a Book of the Month

Fund books for an entire classroom in a low income neighborhood or a specific book that we distribute to different schools, nonprofits, and community groups for $200 or more. Your donation goes directly to pay for books. You, your organization, or someone you wish to honor will be recognized as the official sponsor on a sticker placed in each book, on our website, and in our printed materials.

To sponsor a Classroom or a Book of the Month, CLICK HERE.


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Pledge Your Birthday, Baby Shower, or Event

Whether it's a request for $75 donations to celebrate a 75th birthday or board books at a baby shower, your event will have a lasting impact beyond the celebration. Raising funds or donating books at birthdays, baby showers, anniversaries, weddings, and much more are wonderful ways to have your event help support access to books in the Philadelphia area.

To contact us to let us know what you are planning, CLICK HERE.


Give Monthly

Give monthly to become a passionate part of the community that ensures everyone has access to books. Your monthly gift is an investment in the community for generations to come. 

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Donate Books

We accept any amount of new or used books in good condition to support our programs. Please note that we do not accept religious books or text books. We always need the following:

  • Books by diverse authors and characters of diverse backgrounds

  • Books about science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM)

  • Books by Philadelphia area authors

  • Children's books, especially board books and early literacy books

Need more suggestions? Click here for our AMAZON WISHLIST.

Contact us to arrange for book donations: Click Here.


Become a Corporate Partner

Businesses of all kinds can play a major role in helping Philly Bookshelf provide books to the community. Whether you sponsor or host a bookshelf or fundraising event, donate expertise or supplies, help us reach new audiences to build support, or offer help in another way, you will be serving your community. In return, we can offer branding and promotional opportunities, exposure through our social media channels, and the appreciation of our large and loyal community of supporters.

To get started, CLICK HERE

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