What We Do
Books for Free is a program of The Children’s Trust in partnership with Miami Book Fair at Miami Dade College. Our goal is to get more books in the hands of children who need them the most – magical, world-building, life-changing books that they can keep to read with their families over and over again. We achieve this goal by delivering over 300,000 new and gently used books annually to 103 public bookshelves located in high-traffic locations throughout Miami-Dade County’s most underserved neighborhoods. These books are free for the taking by children and their caregivers.
Why We Do It
Studies prove that students who master reading and writing are more successful throughout their academic and professional careers – they have better job prospects and earning potential, and they’re more engaged in cultural and civic activities. But in Miami-Dade County, nearly half of all third-graders fail to read at basic grade level.
Access to engaging age-appropriate literature is crucial to developing good reading habits (as is reading aloud with children!), but only 1 in 300 children in the U.S. own a book. Luckily, there’s something you can do to change that, and it could be as simple as donating a book.
How You Can Help
What types of books do you accept?
We rely heavily on book donations in order to keep our bookshelves stocked all year long. If you have gently used books at home meant for children from birth to age 8, we will gladly accept them! We’re especially in need of children’s books, baby books and first readers; kindly note that we are unable to accept textbooks, adult books, or books containing religious material.
Where can I donate books?
We have book-drop bins at locations throughout Miami-Dade County. Look for one near you.
What if I have too many books to carry?
We will happily send one of our staff to pick up your book donation directly from your home or business. Simply fill out a donation pickup request via the linked form below or email. Please contact Patricia Hechavarria at [email protected] to schedule your pickup.
Can my company or business host a Books for Free bookshelf?
We’re always looking for ways to stick more pins in the Books for Free map – click below to find out how you may be able to help us do that.
Questions? Need More Information?
Please contact Patricia Hechavarria, Outreach Coordinator for Books for Free, at [email protected].
