This Christmas Celebrate the Gift of Literacy!
A love of reading can begin for children as early as 6 months old, bringing the same kind of joy and wonder that fills the holiday season. And just like a festive wish list, many schools and libraries offer a list of 100 recommended books to read before children reach kindergarten!
Sometimes, though, access to good reading books can present a challenge. In our digital world, picking up the physical book and keeping children engaged is more important than ever and considered vital to a child’s academic formation.
At Grandparent Merit Badges, we have highlighted the topic of literacy in new and different ways this year and we have news for you, wonderful news! Firstly… Drumroll please… We are THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE the release of our latest children’s book in the Lucas and Emily series, entitled Lucas and Emily’s Book Bank Adventure. “Where curiosity sparks connection… and books feed the mind.”
In this new story, Lucas and Emily discover how a neighborhood book nook opens the door to a larger world of sharing, learning, and giving.
Grandparent Merit Badges award-winning Author Dave Grunenwald discovered the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank and found this to be a wonderful resource for his new children’s book.
Dave loves bringing ample boxes of the children’s books to the Kids’ Book Bank (KBB) so the children can enjoy the wonderful Lucas and Emily Series. It fulfills the charitable spirit by sharing a love of reading with children while helping them build their own home libraries.
Recently, GMB had a wonderful interview with the Cleveland Kid’s Book Bank. Along the way, we discovered a few fun facts of early literacy.
The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank says, “Reading fuels imaginations, teaches empathy, supports academic achievement, and helps parents build bonds with their kids.”
Inside their wonderful new space, volunteers are what make the imagination-stirring, book-cranking mega machine whirl, distributing books far and wide to the community!!
Believe it not, the Kids’ Book Bank distributes a staggering 50,000 free books per month with the intention to grow this number in the new year!
Leslie Fitzsimmons of the KBB shares some of the remarkable changes the organization has undergone through its recent expansion and the addition of a significantly larger warehouse space.
She says, “We are now able to accommodate 40 volunteers at a time. This is a game changer for us to be able to package and distribute more efficiently to our partner organizations. Additionally, the space has allowed us the ability to accept bigger shipments that previously we could not accommodate for lack of room. If someone has a few palettes of books to give to us, we now have the space necessary to accept this. The new space has made all the difference.”
Through their many wonderful partner organizations that help to distribute books, the KBB is on a mission to help children all over the greater regional Cleveland area build their own home libraries.
This month, The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank began an incredible new initiative to make reading exciting and fun for children and give way to personal book ownership.
Kids’ Book Bank has partnered with the Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Team to launch the Cavs Book Bus Presented by KeyBank.
According to their press release they, the CEO of Rock Entertainment Group, Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Arena Nic Barlage says of the initiative, “Education has always been a core focus of our community platform at the Cleveland Cavaliers, as we recognize the transformative impact literacy can have on a child’s future.
Our partnership with KeyBank and the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank is a powerful extension of our dedication to youth, learning and equity in Northeast Ohio.
Together, we are working to ensure every child in our city has books in their home – sparking a love for reading, inspiring dreams and empowering success both inside and outside the classroom.”
Of the well-received book bus event, Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank said, “Last week's unveiling of the Cavs Book Bus, presented by KeyBank, in partnership with the Cleveland Kids' Book Bank was a huge success! Scholars at Artemus Ward School participated in an assembly and chose free books from the Cavs Book Bus and book fair."
The Kids' Book Bank will take the Cavs Book Bus on the road in 2026 to Cleveland schools.
In 2026, the new year will present exciting programs for the Kids’ Book Bank. This year will mark their 10th Birthday with events and special announcements planned each month, to include a scheduled Cavs Book Bus event each month. A culmination of their fundraising efforts and their 10th Birthday will take place at their “Bet on Books” Fundraiser in October.
Consider Volunteering with Your Local Book Bank!
Spark the imagination of children, give them the gift of reading!
A few ways to get involved or donate include:
- Consider a one-time or ongoing donation to your local book bank!
- Consider becoming a 10th Birthday Sponsor to the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank! If you are looking to celebrate literacy, this could be a wonderful opportunity to give back in an extremely meaningful way.
- Consider donating books to your local book bank.
- Consider being a Volunteer Ambassador for one of the many different reading programs. There are partner programs available with local book banks for reading with children. There is a fantastic volunteer reading program with the Columbus Kids’ Book Bank called 2nd and 7, which engages thousands of college and high-school student-athlete volunteers across the country to read with children. There are many programs such as this.
Book banks and early literacy are a community treasure. We love being a part of this special organization!
From all of us at Grandparent Merit Badges, a warm and Happy Holidays to you and your families!
