6 Steps for Success

Step 1: Tell Us About Yourself

This information helps us identify if an organization in your area is already requesting books.

Step 2: Lay the Groundwork

Select a collection site and a contact person. Brainstorm sites that can help collect books for Read Indeed.

Decide on the length of your book drive. What makes the most sense for your collection site and likely donors?

Select a collection bin location(s). Brainstorm areas that have a lot of foot traffic or are easily accessible for people to drop off books. Break rooms or lobbies are great places for collection bins, since they are highly visible.

Set a goal. Remember to be optimistic, yet realistic. Establishing a goal not only helps you develop an ‘action place’ for collection, but is also an effective tool for promoting your book drive. For example, you can give daily or weekly updates to your donors that can serve as a motivator. You may also choose to hold friendly competitions among groups or organizations.

Step 3: Spread the Word

Share information about Read Indeed and your book drive. Newsletters, bulletin boards, payroll inserts, meeting notices, social media posts, and email blasts are just a few ways to spread the word to your audience.

Share updates. As previously mentioned, sending periodic updates to your donor base is a great marketing technique.

Step 4: Collect the Books

Develop a collection schedule. Depending on the size of your donor base and the length of your drive, you may need to pick up the books in your collection bin(s) more than once during your drive. Choose a temporary storage place if you need to empty the bin(s) multiple times.

Step 5: Distribute the Books

Submit a tally sheet. Please count the books and provide the tallied number to Read Indeed so your book drive effort can be included in our total volume of books gifted.

Schedule a drop off time. Coordinate with the organization that will receive the books you collect. If needed, Read Indeed can help suggest places to donate the books.

Step 6: Thank Your Donors

Show your appreciation to everyone who contributed books and let them know how many were collected in total.

Book Drive FAQ

How do I find an organization in my community that needs books?

Go to the Department of Education website for your county, or one in your area. Look for schools that show a need for books. Schools with a need may:

• Serve free and reduced lunch to at least 75% of students
• Report low scores on standardized testing
• Have a high High School drop-out rate

Once you have identified a school in need, contact the principal. We find that nearly all schools are appreciative of receiving books. You can also donate to food shelves, after-school programs for at-risk kids, and homeless shelters where the need has already been identified.

What is the best age range to target for collecting books?

Aim to collect books for infants through third grade to support early childhood literacy and the transitional years of ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn.’

Where is the best place to hold a successful Book Drive?

Good news: you don’t need to settle on one location! The more places that you provide with bins, the more books you will collect. Some ideas:

• Churches 
• Libraries and bookstores
• Your neighborhood shops or restaurants
• Higher-income schools that might have interest in hosting book drives for low-income schools in their community

How do I generate interest in my Book Drive?

We have learned that using Maria’s story as the backdrop for a drive leads to success. Distribute posters in schools and libraries, send information to local media, email friends and family, share with coworkers, and post on social media sites. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the word can spread!