“There are food banks, clothing banks, furniture banks. Why isn’t there a book bank?... It’s really incredible. I wondered if books and children were a thing of the past. Would they rather have computers or hand-held games? But no, the enthusiasm with which kids embrace books is amazing.”
- Kim Beatty on starting The Children’s Book Bank in 2008
ABOUT US
The Children’s Book Bank provides free books and literacy programs to children across Toronto, improving literacy rates and socioeconomic outcomes.
Our programs are developed and supported by knowledgeable staff, dedicated volunteers, and trusted community partners who work together to make every interaction meaningful, welcoming, and impactful. We also collaborate with neighbouring agencies to provide multifaceted programs.
In 2024, The Children’s Book Bank gave away 146,632 donated books to children in need; since 2008, we have distributed 1.7 million books across the city.
OUR MISSION
The Children’s Book Bank is guided by our BOOKS principle: Belonging, Options, Opportunities, Knowledge, and Sustainability.
We believe in creating spaces of belonging where children feel welcomed and supported. By offering options, we empower children to choose their own books and build a love of reading. These choices open up new opportunities for children and families to enrich their lives.
The knowledge shared in our spaces is delivered with kindness and care, sparking curiosity and discovery. And by fostering sustainable systems, we ensure that our communities—and our planet—benefit for generations to come.
OUR STORY
2008
The Children’s Book Bank opened its first location at 350 Berkeley Street in Toronto, offering a selection of new and gently used books collected through school and community book drives.
“I wanted to create an oasis, a magical place that kids associate with reading,” said The Children’s Book Bank founder, Kim Beatty.
2020-21
To support our community during the COVID-19 lockdown, The Children’s Book Bank offered curbside book pick-ups and a variety of online programs including:
Bookworms program—an online book club to to keep kids engaged and connected
Weekly Mental Health Storytimes on YouTube in collaboration with local authors and students from the University of Toronto
2022
In February 2022, The Children’s Book Bank moved from its original location at 350 Berkeley Street to our beautiful space at Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park. This relocation came about as a result of the tremendous efforts of staff, volunteers and financial donors.
2022
Opened on August 20, 2022, the Sherbourne Book Bank has quickly established itself as a vital community space in the St. James Town neighbourhood. It serves as a crucial point of connection and support for many newcomers, for whom this area is often their first home in Canada, helping them build essential local networks.
2023
In 2023, we established a Diverse Books Fund and Inclusion Project with the mission of expanding our culturally relevant books and programming.
Having access to books that celebrate children’s identities, cultural celebrations, and personal values is essential to nurturing young, enthusiastic readers.
Thanks to a generous project grant, we have been able to supplement our book donations by purchasing books that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
2024
The Children's Book Bank officially opened its Morningside location in June 2024, marking the first of the new spaces in our expansion project.
We saw a major need for literacy support in Scarborough, where up to 30% of all books from our Books Across the City program were already being distributed. Recognizing this strong demand, we were eager to open a dedicated physical location to better support families in the area.
2025
Since opening at Yorkgate Mall early in 2025, our Jane & Finch location has become an important community fixture and our busiest location, giving away an average of 141 books each day.
THE CHILDREN’S BOOK BANK’S FOUNDING MEMBERS
Kim Beatty
Willa Black
Jocelyn Barford
Jane Crist
Nancy Evans
Janet MacPhail
Joanne Browne
Kathy Martin
Janet Newlands
Diane Rhind
Nora Spence
Louise Sugar