FAQ
Some commonly asked questions and our answers:
Do you accept gently used books?
No, we only accept brand new books.
My books were only read once, can I donate them to you?
No, we're sure they are still beautiful, but we only accept brand new books. We are happy to point you to another organization that accepts used books; one of our favorites for used books is the Greater St. Louis Book Fair.
Why do you only accept new books?
We believe every kid should know the feeling of cracking open a brand new book; one that is theirs and theirs alone. When so many other things in their life might be a hand-me-down, or gently used, a new book is something that can be entirely theirs, first.
How do you get the books to the kids?
We distribute books in a few ways: through grants (a monetary credit to a book marketplace to purchase new books at low-cost) and directly (through book parties or other book distribution events).
How do you choose who gets books?
We have worked with over 160 local organizations that serve children in need, in order to reach the hard-to-reach kids. We welcome these groups to apply for book grants, and we invite them to our book distribution events, and we also can host individual distribution events upon request.
Can I host a book drive?
Yes - we love hearing this enthusiasm! We would be thrilled to accept donations of new books from a book drive, if they are new, unused books. In general, our age-range of children we can reach is ages 0-14. We'd be happy to provide informational materials and share our recommendations for how to start your book drive, just send us an email at info@booksforstlkids.org with your details to get the conversation started!
Do you give books to classrooms?
No - we do not stock classrooms with books. While our recipient groups include schools and classrooms, and we love hosting book parties at schools, these distributions are always under the condition that the books will go home with the kids for them to keep. Part of our mission is to help ensure new books are kept by the kids and not returned to a library or classroom. We love seeing a child begin their own at-home collection.
Do you give books to libraries?
No - we do not stock libraries with books. While we love libraries and the work they do in our communities, we have different missions. We enjoy collaborating with librarians in our shared love of reading and providing access to books. Part of our mission is to help ensure new books are kept by the kids and not returned to a library or classroom. We love seeing a child begin their own at-home collection.