The Children’s Book Bank provides free books and literacy support to children in high-needs neighbourhoods in Toronto. Its purpose is to provide equal access to books for all children, thereby improving literacy rates and socioeconomic outcomes. They give away free books to children ages 0-18 at its two locations: Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park and 561 Sherbourne Street in St. James Town. There is no registration process, and anyone can drop in without the need to book an appointment.
The Book Bank also hosts free programs for children in their spaces. They have story times for students, and they offer story times every Saturday that are designed to be enjoyed by families on a drop-in basis. Every month, they distribute over 6,000 books to help support the programming at literacy centres, food banks, shelters, schools, and other like-minded organizations throughout Toronto. Their focus is on the high-needs neighbourhoods in and around Regent Park, Thorncliffe Park, East Scarborough, Mount Dennis/York, and the North York Area.
The Children’s Book Bank was founded by a small group of dedicated individuals who saw the importance of ensuring that all children have access to books. Since 2008, the Book Bank has grown and reached more families as a result of the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations who have donated funds, books and their time. To learn more about their programs and services and to know how you can get involved, visit their website at www.childrensbookbank.com.