Book Donations
We welcome your help in supporting the 1,800+ students we serve with our Reading Mentoring program, as well as getting books to children in our community via our Reading Is Everywhere initiative, which is working to address local book deserts.
Preferred Books
While Lead to Read KC accepts any NEW or LIKE-NEW children’s books, here are some donation preferences:
- Books for kids in preschool through 8th grade
- Culturally diverse books, so readers see themselves in the story
- Bilingual books, especially Spanish/English
- High-interest books, such as graphic novels
- Easy Reader books to encourage practice and success
- Find recommendations on our Rainy Day Books Wish List or Amazon Wish List.
Shipping & Deliveries
Books ordered through the wish lists above ship directly to Lead to Read KC. If you’re using another retailer, you have multiple options:
Shipping
Small-quantity orders (up to 5 books) can be shipped to:
Lead to Read KC
P.O. Box 411006
Kansas City, MO 64141
Large-quantity orders (6+ books) should be shipped to:
Lead to Read KC
300 E 39th St STE 5B
Kansas City, MO 64111
In-Person Deliveries
If you’re a Reading Mentor, you can deliver small quantities (up to 25 books) at a Reading Session through your Site Coordinator. For non-mentors, summertime donations or large quantities, we accept drop-offs at our office during business hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please email [email protected] to arrange a drop off.
Additional Options
- Interesting in holding a book drive? Check out our toolkit!
- Become a year-round Book Collector and encourage your employees, neighbors, or visitors to donate new or like-new children’s books.
- We also accept online donations to purchase books at a discount. Or, send a check and a note to Lead to Read KC, P.O, Box 411006, Kansas City, MO 64141.
Questions? Please contact Outreach Program Manager Linda Hughes at [email protected].
“Lead to Read fills the baskets at Amethyst Place with high-quality, high-interest books, showing their support for children regardless of their circumstance. Reading can provide comfort and a connection to school for children, and we appreciate their desire to help our families and children.”
More Ways to Help
COMMIT
Become a year-round Book Collector by hosting a bin at your business or home.
SHOP
Buy books from one of our curated wish lists or use as a guide at your preferred retailer.
SORT
Help process donated books at one of our sorting events.
ORGANIZE
Schedule a one-time team volunteer event to help sort, process and deliver books.
Get Involved
We need you! There are so many ways to be part of the solution to our community’s literacy crisis. Choose to give your time or resources to Lead to Read KC.