Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank Launches $2MM “Next Chapter” Capital Campaign to Expand Access to Books for Local Children
Cleveland, OH (January 28, 2025) — Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, a leading nonprofit dedicated to fostering literacy and a love of reading by providing free books to children, is proud to announce the launch of its $2 million “Next Chapter” Capital Campaign.
This critical fundraising effort will support the organization’s expansion and long-term sustainability as it works in partnership with the community. The campaign has raised just over $1 million to date.
Since opening in 2016, Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank has distributed more than 4.8 million books to children and families in greater Cleveland. The campaign will raise funds for the purchase and renovation of a new facility, which will provide increased capacity for book distribution and enhanced community outreach initiatives aimed at improving childhood literacy. The funds will directly support the organization’s efforts to ensure that every child has books in the home— essential tools for academic success and lifelong learning.
“While Cleveland has made progress in addressing its literacy challenges—moving from 66% illiteracy in 2004 to 54% in 2022—there is still urgent work to be done,” said Natalie Friedl, Executive Director of Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank. “Books are more than just resources; they create opportunities, and we know that increasing access to them is key to transforming the future for Cleveland’s children. This campaign is not just about continuing the work we’ve done but accelerating it to ensure that every child in Greater Cleveland has the tools they need to succeed. We can’t afford to wait any longer, and we’re calling on our community to help us close this gap once and for all.”
The “Next Chapter” Capital Campaign will fund vital infrastructure improvements, including:
- Purchasing a building that will significantly expand the organization’s capacity to store and distribute a greater volume of books.
- Increasing volunteer opportunities to meet the growing need for free books.
Expanding outreach through neighborhood-based distribution. - Saturating Greater Cleveland’s neighborhoods and enlarging the distribution footprint.
To kick off the campaign, Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank will host a launch event, inviting key supporters, community leaders, and local partners to celebrate the next phase of the organization’s growth. The event will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the campaign’s goals, the urgent need for childhood literacy initiatives, and how they can contribute to the cause.
“This campaign is not just about funding; it’s about galvanizing the entire community to take action,” said Judi Kovach, Board President. “Together, we can ensure that every child has books in the home, to fuel their imagination, open their eyes to a world of possibilities, and prepare them for a productive future.”
The “Next Chapter” Capital Campaign is an epic opportunity to create a space that will serve as a hub for greatly expanded distribution of books, for improved collaboration with literacy partners, and for more volunteers to become literacy champions to help. Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank invites every individual, corporation, and community organization to get involved and make a lasting impact on the lives of local children.
For more information about the “Next Chapter” Capital Campaign or to make a donation, visit www.kidsbookbank.org or contact Natalie Friedl at 440-840-4857 or natalie@kidsbookbank.org.
About Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank
Since 2016, the nonprofit organization, Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, has been dedicated to increasing access to books for children in Greater Cleveland. Through its community-based partnerships, the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank has distributed more than 4.8 million new and gently used books to children, schools, and community organizations, helping to foster a love for reading and improving childhood literacy.
Media Contact:
Natalie Friedl
Executive Director
Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank
440-840-4857
natalie@kidsbookbank.org
www.kidsbookbank.org