Readers
Become
Leaders
Chicago Book Bag was born during the pandemic of 2020; a time of historic hardship for families, small businesses and communities particularly on our city’s south and west sides. Building upon our core belief - that readers become leaders– we created a unique, three-part plan to address these unprecedented challenges.
For Families
Chicago Book Bag delivers new, age-appropriate books to children through select, need-based food distribution centers and community organizations.
For Small Businesses
We have partnered with south side-based independent booksellers to acquire our books and drive much-needed revenue through recurring purchases.
For Communities
We answer the question, “How can I help?” Simple…donate to Chicago Book Bag through the link below. Your donation represents critical revenue to these small businesses. Additionally, 100% of all proceeds fund the purchase and distribution of new books to young readers on our city’s south and west sides.
Chicago Book Bag has partnered with need-based food distribution centers including The Greater Chicago Food Depository (at Trinity United Church of Christ), HelloBaby play space (Woodlawn), and the Hyde Park Union Church food pantry.
A Note from Our Founder
“During the quarantine, I read more than ever. I even started a book club with my cousins over Zoom. My church, Trinity UCC, converted into a food distribution center and I thought, “What if we could provide books for kids so that when their parents came home with groceries, there was also a brand new book tucked inside the box just for them?” In my family, we believe that readers become leaders. We want to support our community one book at a time.”
- George, age 9
