About Us

Our History

Books for Kids is a grassroots book collection project founded in 2017. We began our work collecting used books and learning resources to send to under-resourced schools in the Philippines.

The first school that we sent books to was Baler Central in Baler, Aurora. It is a Kindergarten through 6th grade and has over 1000 students. Founded in 1916, Baler Central is where Ernesto R. Querijero went to school in the 1940s. Today, it is the largest elementary school in Baler and its population is growing. Renovations to the original building built in 1916 are being made to accommodate an updated  library, and our work collecting and shipping books has helped fill the shelves. Through Books for Kids, students can enjoy the use of over 4,000 books.

Monetary donations provided shelving, a computer and supplies to help get the library up and running. Our long-term, ultimate goal is to establish a library and/or literacy hub in Baler to support Baler Central and other local elementary schools. We aim to provide students access to culturally-appropriate books and educational materials.

When COVID Hit

When Covid hit the US in March 2022, local schools and libraries shut down and shipping outfits closed. Books for Kids  turned its efforts toward getting books and resources to families here in Michigan. We quickly found and focused our energy to support the many literacy deserts both in Washtenaw County and throughout Michigan. We have sought out local community partners and worked with social workers, mutual aid sites, and Head Start to get books into the hands of kids by creating literacy packs, stocking little free libraries, and hosting free book fairs with new and culturally appropriate books.

Free Book Fairs

We have found that one of the most impactful ways to encourage and support literacy is by offering free book fairs and book giveaways. Through community donations, local partners, and grant funding, we provide new, diverse books. Students can browse, select, and then bring home a book without worrying about the cost. Barrier-free access to literacy resources is an effective, inclusive strategy to introduce and foster love of books and reading!