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Birdie's Bookmobile is a non-profit organization committed to ending book deserts and improving children's literacy and book access in Metro Detroit. We are making quality, diverse, and culturally relevant books more accessible and increasing the number of books children have in their home libraries through free book distribution.
Hatched June 2022
Our Impact
Birdie's Bookmobile has distributed more than
100,000 new and pre-loved books to children and families in partnership with police precincts, community organizations, and Metro Detroit public and
charter schools.
We have installed 20 Little Free Libraries that we steward at schools, non-profit organizations, and communities in nine zip codes in Detroit.
Birdie's Bookmobile donated 30,000 new books to the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) for the 2024-2025 school year.
Community Partners
Community partners are the backbone of our work. With their help, we have distributed over 100,000 books to the children and families they serve!
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Funders
Awesome Foundation Ann Arbor
Teach for America
The Holley Foundation
The Junior League of Detroit
United Way of Southeastern Michigan
Program Supporters
27th Letter Books
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
Bookstock
Brilliant Detroit
Central Detroit Christian
Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Tigers
Eastern Market
Next Chapter Books
Rocket Community
Starbucks
The Congregation
The Guerrilla Politic
University of Michigan
Wayne State University
Free Book Fairs!
Birdie's Bookmobile distributes books at no cost to students, schools, and
partner organizations through FREE book fairs, community events, and our
20 Little Free Libraries located in neighborhoods in Metro Detroit.
Learn more! Please complete our interest form.
We also offer embedded literacy enrichment programs for students in grades K-3rd Grades.
"Birdie’s Bookmobile is doing powerful, joyful work to bring books to our children and community! No child should grow up in a book desert and Birdie’s grows book access and literacy with every single book they provide.
Birdie’s also provides enriching programming that promotes book joy — one of our favorite Birdie’s memories is children and families eagerly gathered together around the book bus learning about how honey is made from a local beekeeper and Ms. Alyce sharing related books that got them even more excited about insects and nature. Birdie’s brings books alive!"
Dr. Leah van Belle, Detroit Parent
"Birdie's Bookmobile has been an absolute gem and game-changer for our community, providing access to literature in remote areas where libraries are scarce. With its vibrant selection and enthusiastic founder, it's not just a mobile library, but a cherished resource that fosters a lifelong love for reading in our children."
Mori Anderson, Detroit Parent
Donate Used Books
Reading plays a crucial role in a child's development. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to quality books. Birdie's Bookmobile will share your donations of gently used books with children and
families in Detroit. Your book donations will help build home libraries, encourage shared reading experiences, and improve literacy outcomes.
Let's connect! Please complete our interest form.
We accept gently used children's book donations (birth to 12th-grade reading levels). The includes fiction and non-fiction books in English, Spanish, Arabic, and French Languages/bi-lingual.
Books We Accept
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Board and Baby Books
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Picture Books
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Early Readers
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Chapter Books
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Graphic Novels
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Middle Grade Books
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YA Books
Books We Do Not Accept
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Activity Books
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Coloring Books
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Cookbooks
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Dictionaries
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Medical Books
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Reference Materials/Textbooks
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Religious Books
Host a Book Drive
Join us in promoting the joy of reading! Hosting a community book drive is a fantastic way to partner with us in our literacy initiatives across Metro Detroit. You can collect books virtually and through traditional drop-off sites such as schools, churches, and businesses.
Our Book Drive Toolkit will provide you with the resources needed to organize a successful book drive — including, approved logos, information about our organization, a PDF flyer, photos, social media assests, hastags, and tips & tricks.
Collection bins are also available and will be dropped off before the book drive and picked up after.
Learn more! Please complete our interest form.
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Buy New Books
Amazon Wish List
We have a curated list of board books, picture books, graphic novels, chapter books, and YA books on our Amazon Wish List. The books on our list are interesting and relatable, use engaging language, and are beautifully illustrated.
These selections will make great additions to the home libraries of children and teens in Detroit.
Books ship directly from Amazon.
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Read Aloud
A few favorites from the bookmobile we love to read aloud. Click the picture to learn more about the books featured on Birdie's Book List!
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Join Our Book Club!
Birdie's Book Club offers literacy strategies and developmentally appropriate tips for stimulating language development, teaching reading, and helping struggling readers at home and in the classroom.
"Birdie's Bookmobile is one of the most refreshing groups I have ever worked with. The dedication to assure kids have culturally responsive books AND a love of reading shows in all they do and are. Working with them is a treat that keeps giving."
Cindy Eggleton, Founder & CEO
Brilliant Detroit
"I love Birdie's Bookmobile — how it brings joy to children with books! Any creative ways we can get kids excited about reading is great with me, and Birdie's bookmobile is just that."
Lisa Johanon, Founder & Executive Director
Central Detroit Christian (CDC)
