Host a Book Drive for Richland First Steps
Your school or business can help put more books into the hands of local families!
How to Participate
- Choose a month. Sign up your school or business and select a month to host your drive.
- Set up a collection spot. Place a box or bin where people can easily drop off books.
- Spread the word. Invite students, families, staff, customers, and friends to donate.
- Arrange a handoff. At the end of your drive, coordinate with Richland First Steps to get the books to local families.
What Books Are We Collecting?
We welcome new or gently used board books and picture books for children from birth to age 5.
Make It Your Own
Set a collection goal, organize a classroom challenge, or invite customers to bring a book when they visit. Your book drive can be simple and fit your school or business.
Ready to Help Little Readers?
Sign up to host a book drive and help build a love of reading in our community!
Have questions? Contact Alana Jordan at [email protected].
FAQs
We are collecting books for children from birth through age 5 to help families build their home libraries.
Yes! Please donate books that are clean, complete, and in good condition.
We especially welcome board books and children’s storybooks. Other great choices include:
- Picture books
- Alphabet, counting, shape, and color books
- Rhyming books and nursery rhymes
- Bilingual books and books in languages other than English
- Simple nonfiction books about animals, nature, and everyday life
Please choose books suited to children ages 0–5.
Please do not donate:
- Books with missing pages, significant tears, mold, water damage, or strong odors
- Books with extensive writing or coloring
- Used coloring, activity, or sticker books
- Textbooks, magazines, or books intended for older children or adults
- Toys, DVDs, or other materials that are not books
Richland First Steps will provide a book collection bin. Place it in a visible, high-traffic area where employees and visitors can easily find it. Use the promotional toolkit to spread the word and encourage donations throughout the month.
To request a donation acknowledgment, contact Alana Jordan at [email protected]. Include your name, contact information, the number of books donated, and the date and location of your donation.
Books help children build language skills, spark curiosity, and prepare for school. Yet 61% of U.S. children living at or below the poverty line have no books at home.
Here in Richland County, 43% of children enter kindergarten without the skills they need to be ready for school.
Your book donations give local families more opportunities to read, learn, and grow together, helping children build a strong foundation for the future.
Please contact Alana Jordan at [email protected].
