Gift of Reading

The Gift of Reading gives a new or like-new book, and thus the gift of literacy, and love of books, to children in our community.
Each year we kick off the program with a writing contest. Learn more.

For 25 years, the Gift of Reading Morgan Hill has been a holiday tradition, providing the gift of books to needy and underserved children in the Bay Area. BookSmart Community Advantage, the non-profit foundation associated with local bookstore BookSmart, is once again partnering with other local organizations to sponsor this year’s drive to provide books in the Morgan Hill and San Martin area. The foundation is partnering with the AAUW MH and other local organizations to spread the gift of literacy and love of books to children in our community. 

The organizations are collecting new and like-new books for elementary-age children (grades K to 6) at various collection points (BookSmart 421 Vineyard Town Center). Look for the cheerfully wrapped bins.  The collection deadline is Friday, Dec. 13th, 2024. The books will be distributed by local organizations to underserved children throughout the Morgan Hill Unified School District and to help teachers build classroom libraries for the children they teach — increasing the student’s chances at long-term academic success. In some families these books may be the only holiday gift a child will receive.

As part of this program, BookSmart is offering a 20% discount on books purchased for Gift of Reading. Cash donations are also welcome. BookSmart will provide a list of books to choose from if you need help shopping for just the right books.

Volunteers are also needed to transport books to distribution points and to sort them by age groups and condition. Please contact Cinda or Brad at 408-778-6467 to volunteer or donate.

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters