Owning Books Changes a Child's Life
Studies show that literacy nearly doubles if a child owns books they have chosen for themselves.
Our Mission
To foster a lifelong love of reading and improve childhood literacy by putting books directly into children’s hands. We partner with 3rd-grade classrooms in NYC Title I public schools, empowering students to select and own books for their very own home libraries.
My Own Books is the operating name of My Own Book Fund, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 46-0799191).
What We Do
Step
1
Volunteers meet with students and teachers in their classrooms. The students learn they can choose up to $60 worth of books to select and own.
Step
2
Following the classroom visit, volunteers meet the students at the bookstore to help them choose a variety of books they will want to read…over and over again.
Step
3
Volunteers follow up with visits in the classroom. The excitement is palpable as the students talk about their favorite books.
We Deliver Results
Owning a book provides students with essential academic and life skills.
What Kids Say
If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have the books I wanted. Every night, my grandpa caught me reading in the dark. So, he bought me a book light.”
Jeffrey | PS 28, Bronx
Thank you so much for my books. I really loved it so much. I read my books to my sister till she fell asleep.”
Nasir H. | 3rd grader
After school, I got home and told my family and Facetimed them and also cried of joy! I loved reading with my friend.”
3rd grader
Volunteers in Action
Helping students build their own home libraries
Joan Dichter, a volunteer with “My Own Books,” talks to kids at P.S. 1 in Chinatown about books they’ve recently purchased.
“The love of reading, the love of books, it’s just wonderful,” Dichter told the children. “And this is something you’re going to have with you the rest of your lives.”