BOOK FAIRIES INC

Book Fairies is a wonderful organization getting books to children who would otherwise not have them. With these donations, children have the opportunity to learn to love reading. Book Fairies has now reached 5 million books donated - an amazing achievement!

I ran the New York Marathon as a charity runner for Book Fairies NY. The cause is fantastic (I'm a lifelong bibliophile) but the support, care and enthusiasm they put into their runners is unmatched. I felt supported through training and fundraising the entire time and like I was a part of a real team. I recommend getting involved with them in any way you can!

I first heard about the Book Fairies a few years ago. I was a co-advisor to my elementary school's student council. At the time we wanted a project for the student council members to participate in that would give back to the community. The Book Fairies was an organization that we thought would be wonderful to support. As a student council we decided to host a book drive to collect books of all genres and for all ages. We were thrilled to know that the books collected would be redistributed to under-resourced communities on Long Island, NYC and internationally. The books would be given to those that need them the most. So many children do not have access to books! The student council members were so enthusiastic about this project. They helped sort and box the books. We ended up with 17 boxes of books to send to the Book Fairies warehouse!
After the book drive was complete, I told myself that the Book Fairies would be a place I would like to volunteer when I retire. I am now into my third year as a volunteer for the Book Fairies. I am so happy I came across this organization a few years ago. Now that I am working for the Book Fairies I can see for myself all the good this organization does! Our organizational directors have created an atmosphere where the volunteers feel appreciated, valued and respected. Many friendships have formed during time spent in the warehouse. As a volunteer you can wear one of many hats. There are sorters, second level sorters, packers etc. During warehouse hours boxes of books are prepared for our monthly community book fairs. During the book fairs teachers and community members come to the warehouse to gather books for their classrooms, families and students. The positive energy is so uplifting. Boxes of books are also sent out to schools. Some of our newest books go to serve schools where the Book Fairies provide a free book fair to the student population. The students can choose two books for free. The expressions on the student’s faces are one of pure joy! The students are so excited about their new books.
I am so proud to be part of this nonprofit organization. The Book Fairies truly make a difference!
Carol

The Book Fairies is a very unique organization. I began working with the organization following my retirement. I am so grateful to be able to be a part of this community organization that not only provides resources to teachers in the NY metropolitan area, but even provides books for children overseas in areas where English language books are rare. Generally my role is sorting through and packing up picture books and early readers that will go to students and teachers. This is a great group of volunteers as well as the hard-working paid staff (of whom there are very few.) I encourage people to donate books as well as donate money and of course to come volunteer with us. It is very rewarding to also assist at the community book fairs when teachers are choosing books for their classrooms and to see their excitement. Reading has been important to me since I was a little girl and I was lucky enough to be in a family that took me to libraries and bought me books as well as attending schools that had libraries. Not all children have these advantages. As a psychologist who worked with children with a range of emotional and educational disorders, I am well aware to the impact these books will provide.

As a volunteer for Book Fairies, I am mainly involved with sorting through the book donations we receive at the warehouse. This is quite gratifying knowing that these books will be redistributed to children and will foster a love of reading and boost literacy. We are close to giving away the five millionth book. I was also part of the successful attempt at a Guinness World Record for the longest book chain. An added bonus is the wonderful friends I have made their.

I had a bunch of gently used books I wanted to donate. I looked online and found Book Fairies. After I read their mission, I knew I wanted to do more than just donate books. So I signed up and became a volunteer. My role is to sort books into specific categories. It takes my breath away, through Book Fairies, how many donated books are going to underserved schools, women’s shelters, nursing homes, prisons, train stations and schools overseas (I’m sure I’m forgetting something). Recently, I volunteered at the monthly teacher’s book fair, and got to see first hand how Book Fairies helps get books into the hands (and hearts) of children. I can’t think of a better organization to volunteer for.

Eighteen months ago, I retired from a 40+ year career in finance. I was a little bored and not sure of how to spend my time, so my wife encouraged me to begin to volunteer at the Book Fairies, as she had volunteered previously and truly enjoyed the experience. They needed some help to take in and stack the many boxes of books they receive each week (in the neighborhood of 300-500 boxes of books per week which in and of itself is pretty amazing). So, I thought, what the heck, I'll check it out and get involved. Well, I must say, over the past year plus, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Working with the many other wonderful and inspiring volunteers has been truly special. The many volunteers I have had the pleasure of getting to work with and know are fun, engaging and welcoming. And to see the Book Fairies staff speak about their mission of helping to engage with and support underserved communities with their outreach of books, with such true warmth and dedication is what makes this non-profit standout! The Book Fairies will shortly celebrate distributing its "5 millionth" book. I would strongly encourage anyone who has some free time and is looking to give back to come to the Book Fairies and join a special team of dedicated and inspired Book Fairies staff and volunteers.

We worked closely with Patti from Book Fairies to coordinate our very first book drive. I say our "very first" book drive because after our incredible experience we plan on having many more and supporting the fantastic work Book Fairies does. Patti arrived with a beautiful new van to collect all the donations. It was fabulous advertising for them. We have since scheduled one other pick up - which was made so easy through their website. And we will be hosting another Book Drive in November through our JCC and Early Childhood Center. We look forward to building relationship over the years and supporting the work Book Fairies does.

Book Fairies is an incredible nonprofit that fosters a love of reading by distributing books to those in need. I volunteered with my two teenaged children and it was rewarding experience. The organization is well-run with dedicated and passionate volunteers. Working at the warehouse gave us a hands-on opportunity to help make books accessible to schools, shelters and underserved communities. It’s a fantastic way to give back while sharing the joy of reading with others. Highly recommend for anyone passionate about literacy!

Book Fairies is an incredible organization with an inspirational mission. It’s been a pleasure to have been involved with them for the last few years. The fairies are so welcoming, they make the entire process of donating books fun and exciting for everyone involved! Thanks to the help of their fabulous volunteers, the Book Fairies are able to give back to the community in extraordinary ways! A truly great non profit ❤️

Book Fairies is truly exceptional! They embody a commitment to spreading the joy of reading and the profound importance of placing books into the hands of children sets them apart.

Book Fairies is an extraordinary organization! Can you imagine a home or school without books? Neither can Book Fairies!! They source and redistribute books to under-resourced communities - stocking their backpacks and school libraries! Bravo!

Great Organization run by hardworking and dedicated people.

This is such a great nonprofit that does their very best to very make a difference in the lives of those who do not have access to books on their own. Books are such an important tool to have access too.. being it affects every aspect of your life. BRAVO BOOK FAIRIES!

Happy to support The Book Fairies.
The premise of this organization is simple. Collect gently-used and new books and deliver them to educators to create classroom libraries and give them to children who otherwise might not have a book to call their own. But the scope and impact of this organization is far greater than one could imagine. It changes lives daily - and the dedicated staff and volunteers have worked continuously to broaden its mission to give the gift of reading to countless individuals beyond school children and the Long Island area.

I absolutely love this non-profit! I cannot imagine not having books in my life and to see this organization work to get books into people’s hands - especially children! - means so much to me. They do a great job repurposing books and making a difference!

I had the pleasure to volunteer at The Book Fairies storage facility in the past. Although tightly packed the team worked with all of us to explain their mission and directed all the sorting and packing activities with a zeal that motivated us and transferred the significance of what we were doing that made all of us feel important and appreciated. It was a privilege to share in this organization’s purpose.

My experience made me feel proud to think of myself as part of the team.

Great to know that book fairies understands the importance of giving our youth the strongest tool for success!

A wonderful charity that collects and sorts books for classrooms and overseas children to improve their reading skills, as well as provides adult books for prisons and other places. An excellent place to volunteer with simple training in what to do and lovely staff.

As a retired reading reading teacher I felt the need to get involved in some type of volunteer work. I had worked with the Book Fairies as a student council leader. We did a book drive collection throughout our school community. Now as a retired educator I decided to join the Book Fairies as a volunteer. I am so amazed by all this organization does and by the numbers of children they reach. My role as volunteer is to sort through the donated books and then to categorize them. For example there is a category for picture books, chapter, etc. Once the books have been categorized they are boxed and piled high in the warehouse for the monthly book fairs. The book fairs are exhilarating! Teachers sign up to come and take books for their classroom, grade level, school etc. The energy level
is high as teachers choose their books. They can take as many books as they want! The volunteers are there to help facilitate the fair. Sometimes by the end of the day 20,000 books have been taken. This is truly an amazing day! Everyone is happy! There are other ways the Book Fairies get books in to the hands of others. Books are given to after school programs, waiting rooms etc. There is even an overseas program. I am so proud to be a part of this incredible organization. It is run by a group of ladies that have tremendous hearts and want to make the lives of others better! Carol C.

The Book Fairies is a non-profit which will change the world for the better, one book at a time. They have donated millions of books to families and schools who have no or very few books. The joy teachers exhibit when they come to Book Fairies to collect books to share with their students is truly heartwarming. Book Fairies is allowing children to gain culture, literacy, understand the importance of reading, open their eyes to a whole new world. If you are looking to help society, Book Fairies is the place to do it, by donating and or volunteering. The energy, excitement and joy shown daily during sorting and distribution of books is contagious knowing the contribution we are making.

I have been a weekly Volunteer at The Book Fairies for more than 6 years and love it!
I found with this organization while attending a local Volunteer Fair being retired I have a lot of time for my hobbies which is great however I also had a retirement goal to help a nonprofit in some capacity I just didn't know what or where until I visited The Book Fairies Warehouse, Freeport NY and felt this is exactly what I want to do, where I want to be and since that first visit I look forward to my weekly volunteering time there.,
I have seen The Book Fairies expand and grow so much and am proud to think I have been a part of this.

As an avid reader myself I can’t stress enough the importance of books. The Book Fairies gives children an opportunity at a very young age to read books that will enhance and develop an imagination, skill set and an appreciation for lifelong learning In all capacities. Executive director Eileen Minogue has done an outstanding job of making sure all children have this opportunity near and far

What an amazing charitable organization Book Fairies is. I'm a ferocious reader and love the idea of getting books into the hands of all readers, especially to spark the interest in further reading. When we read, we learn things not just about the subject matter in the book but also we learn things about ourselves. Opening our minds and hearts to all kinds of experiences.

The cycles of illiteracy, poverty, and incarceration are so intertwined, and simply having access to books is the first critical step to breaking those cycles. Book Fairies gives away, free of charge, thousands of books every year to communities that need them. Not just schools, but other nonprofits, community centers, prisons, and pop-up stands in local community hubs like grocery stores and LIRR stations. By flooding homes with books, they are making a difference in increasing both the reading skill of kids and adults in our neighborhoods as well as their love of reading! What they do is invaluable.

A book can change your perspective, teach you something new, expand your horizons, take you away to another time and place. Most people take that for granted. For someone who does not have the means or privilege to have something as simple as a book in their hands, benefits tremendously from a wonderful non-profit like The Book Fairies! Thanks to The Book Fairies, the magic of a book is now made accessible to those who otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience the joy of reading!!! Thank you Book Fairies for all you do and for the outstanding leadership of Eileen Minogue, volunteers and donors who make it happen!!

When I first heard about the Book Fairies, I was shocked to learn how many schools and children on Long Island didn’t have access to books! This amazing organization is tireless in their quest to get books into the hands of those who need them the most, our children! If you are looking for a way to give back to your community, I highly recommend finding a day to volunteer at their warehouse in Freeport. You will walk away not just feeling like you made a difference, but you will have met some pretty wonderful people!

Book Fairies outstanding achievements in their mission to provide free reading materials to schools and outreach programs needs to be recognized. With director Eileen Minogue at the helm, the employees and her many volunteers, children and adults can now have the opportunity to discover the joy of reading. Thank you, Book Fairies, for your generosity and your heart!

The Book Fairies go above and beyond to make sure that each book that is donated finds a new loving home. It is so evident in the faces of the children who receive these books how needed they were. If you volunteer with the Book Fairies you will leave feelings that you have helped make an impact in the youth of our communities. It is an incredible organization with incredible goals to help end illiteracy!

It’s more than books... It’s about addressing illiteracy and the socioeconomic impact. It started with the vision of a brave entrepreneurial woman... from her garage to 2+ million books and counting.

The Book Fairies Executive Director Eileen Minogue reached out to me to see if I would consider volunteering for them. I had always admired the work that The Book Fairies did and the services they provided. However, it wasn't until I became a volunteer that I realized the true impact that they had on their community. They put books into the hands of children, some who have never owned a book before, by hosting Book Fairs for children in high need areas. Since more than 1/2 of high need schools don't have libraries it's up to teachers to provide books in their classrooms. I had the opportunity to witness teachers come to The Book Fairies warehouse and leave with hundreds of age appropriate books for their students. They were so grateful and beyond excited to bring them back to school. Many shared how important this was for their students and that without The Book Fairies their shelves could remain bare. I also learned that books were often donated to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, community centers and even prisons. While working as a volunteer responding to e-mails and answering phone calls I had the pleasure of speaking with many retired teachers who had packed up their class libraries and had nowhere to donate their collections until they were introduced to The Book Fairies. They were thrilled and so happy to know that their books, that brought joy to their students, would be put to the best of use. The list of the ways The Book Fairies is helping their community is endless. However, one of my favorite things is that they are able to do is to provide purpose for volunteers from special needs day hab groups who help pick up and deliver book donations across Long Island. The Book Fairies is truly a remarkable organization.

As a volunteer and a donor, you have choices to make where to spend your time and where to send your discretionary charitable donations.
The covid-19 pandemic has certainly created challenges and hurdles and impacted non profits.
The reason why Book Fairies is so worthy is because they are providing books, reading challenges and attempting to lift up our next generation of “thinkers”, “learners” and “innovators”. This will be the generation, through what book fairies offers to them, via their donations of books about Science, English, poetry, history, and life experience.
In addition they are led by a seasoned and accomplished executive director, Eileen Minogue, who has elevated the book fairies profile through her fundraising and management skills. Mrs. Minogue has a following of individuals who care about the things that she cares about and are appreciative of her efforts. They support her desire to raise the platform of book fairies and more importantly, the goal of lifting up literacy of our next generation of learners.

Studies have shown the importance of books in the development of young children. For too many children, their families and schools books are not available to them. Book Fairies solves that problem. They use their connections within communities, businesses and higher education to leverage resources and funding. What started as one woman’s vision has expanded to become a major effort to get books into the hands of the children that need them most. Access to books can open the world to a child. They can feed there inquiring mind and begin a journey that will last a lifetime. I am happy that I am able to donate to this important effort.

The Book Fairies is an amazing nonprofit that gives books to people who can't afford to buy them. They are making such a difference in our community. Very friendly people who work at the warehouse. I love volunteering at The Book Fairies and seeing all of the incredible books that are donated. Highly recommend!

I am a retired Reading Teacher and an avid reader. When I discovered The Book Fairies, it was a perfect match for me. It is a wonderful, caring, generous organization. They have provided books for children that may change their lives. It has been an honor to volunteer.

Total devotion to assisting under served communities increase their reading skills. It is recognized that the ability to read at age appropriate levels is associated with decreased involvement in criminal activity and decreased reliance on public funds. The Book Fairies get books into the hands of children (and adults) thus fostering the desire to read and, in doing so increasing the ability to read. The Book Fairies collect books, sort them to determine content and age level appropriateness, condition and type. The books are then distributed by books fairs and other events, all by volunteers and without cost to the recipient. The joy on the faces of children who are able to obtain books of interest without regard to cost is indescribable. A mission that brings happiness and helps society, that's what the Book Fairies is about.

I can't say enough wonderful things about The Book Fairies!! I am so grateful for the abundance of books gifted to me. The staff was so helpful and so kind. They couldn't do enough for me. You saw the excitement in their faces when you pulled up and they even did a happy dance with me while I was choosing extra books. I am so excited to create a beautiful classroom library for my students. They don't have access to many books, so to be able to provide them with worthwhile and enriching literature is going to be so worthwhile and motivating to them. Thank you again for this amazing experience!!

My Lions club performs vision screenings in the Head Starts, local pre-schools and the area school district. We screen for conditions that may lead to amblyopia. Every child screened receives a sticker or pencil and a free book appropriate for their grade level. We gave out almost 800 books last year and anticipate screening even more children this year which means even more books will be given out.

I had learned about Book Fairies from other Lions who have benefitted from the books provided by this nonprofit. My husband and I attended a session during our time slot in October. We had one hour to get as many books as we wanted/needed. We had a big number in mind so we brought four rolling suitcases. We were able to fill two of them with over 400 books for children in grades 3 to 5.

As a retired teacher, I was very excited that they had popular authors and book titles. The volunteers were so helpful. They continually brought more books to the tables and if they were aware of a series someone was looking for, they brought it to them.

It was a wonderful experience. They did not request any money for the books we took. They simply were happy to see that the books were going to children in need of books to read and they are being encouraged to read Since we are also a nonprofit organization, we are happy to have found this great resource for gently used books at no cost to us so we may continue encouraging children to read while we check their vision.

Thank you Book Fairies.

-Lion Lorri R

This is an AMAZING organization with a mission to promote literacy, foster a love of reading, and improve lives throughout the metropolitan area, as well as globally. The Book Fairies collects donations of new and used children's and adult books and distributes them via numerous programs to underserved areas. The brand new children's books go to free book fairs in local schools where children who typically would not be able to buy their own books can choose two free, high interest books to take home and keep. The expression on the children's faces at these book fairs says it all! Gently used books are offered at monthly community book fairs to teachers in high needs school districts, who can come to The Book Fairies warehouse and select as many as they want for their classrooms. Donated books that are gently used are also shared with shelters, hospitals, correctional facilities, and an overseas literacy partnerships. Best of all, this occurs through the work of volunteers, including interested community members, businesses, teachers, corporate volunteer groups, and a partnership with special needs adults who then have the opportunity to give back to the community. In fact, over 2 million books have been distributed since 2012! Initially, I volunteered because The Book Fairies' mission matched my own as an educator and, quite frankly, because their volunteers do not have to commit to any specific schedule. Volunteers are doing meaningful work any time they might be available, and no special skills or time commitment are required. Interested adults can just show up at the warehouse in Freeport between 10 and 2 any Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or for community service hours with family members on monthly Sunday community book sorting days, receive 10 minutes of training, and then participate in sorting books by type such as baby books, picture books, children's chapter books, adult books, etc. But after my first day as a volunteer and seeing all the ways The Book Fairies promotes literacy, I was totally hooked, and now make it a regular part of my life. Volunteers and donations of books and/or money are always welcome! thebookfairies.org

Book Fairies is an incredible organization that is providing books to people in need.
Reading is the great escape and a huge motivator. Books expands the mind.
I have donated books and money this year. Planning a book drive in my office for the holidays. Hope to raise awareness, funds and books for the Book Fairies.

Book Fairies is a nonprofit that will change the world, one book at a time. Children are given the opportunity to love reading and learning through the book donations. Almost 2 million books donated, pretty spectacular!

When I first heard about The Book Fairies I was excited for the opportunity to restock my class library with new titles for my students. What I discovered was an amazing group of people who were dedicated to getting as many engaging books into children’s hands in order to increase literacy success. The volunteers were so helpful, looking for titles and genres to help you find what you were looking for. I went hoping to restock a library and left with enough books to create packages of books to kick off summer reading celebrations for the whole first grade. It was wonderful to see how excited the children were to take home their books! Having appropriate books in students’ hands over the summer is a fabulous way to keep skills sharp!

They do a wonderful job of giving books to children with low access to them. Volunteer experience is also very organized and positive in sorting books by age category.

Working in school with a high poverty level is a great challenge. Amy and The Book Fairies have worked wonders in the past providing our needy students with new and gently used books that they cherish. When a student repeatedly asks, "Can I keep it?" - you know you have accomplished something wonderful! Not only have they provided books for our children they have even come in to read to our students for "Read Across America"! I love this organization and I am thrilled to give them the KUDOS that they deserve! On behalf of our students and myself - Thank you again!!!!

The Book Fairies is an amazing organization in our community! I have been volunteering at the warehouse sorting books for a few years now. Amy has endless energy and drive that rubs off on volunteers like me and keeps us coming back. With 3 children of my own, I believe strongly in the power of books and reading from a young age. Book Fairies brings this experience to underserved children and schools and is an extraordinary asset to our Long Island community.

I truly admire everything The Book Fairies is doing for the community. I have been working with Amy and the others for almost two years now and find myself continually impressed. In fact, I met The Book Fairies through one organization and have introduced Amy to another organization I am involved with. It's kind of like you want everyone you know to become part of The Book Fairies team. I do book collections and also assist at the free book fairs The Book Fairies does in schools.
I believe that this nonprofit is an essential link between the "haves and the have nots."

Volunteering with The Book Fairies during one of their monthly Book Fairs for educators in high need areas was a simply an incredible experience. Watching educators make their selections and hearing their sentiments of gratitude to The Book Fairies as well as their excitement in the thought of sharing their “great literary finds” with their students and their families was heartwarming to say the least.
Several educators spoke about the importance of literacy and the immeasurable value The Book Fairies have contributed to their classrooms and ultimately the communities they serve. To say The Book Fairies mission and work is extraordinary would be an understatement.

I have been volunteering with The Book Fairies for over a year and am still amazed by how much good this organization does and how it is improving the lives of children and adults in communities throughout Long Island and the NYC area. I have participated in several book fairs and to see the excitement from the students as the select their books is so much fun. Amy and the Book Fairies serves a vitally important role in promoting the importance of actual books in this age of technology and digital devices, expanding the curiousity of students and sharing the joy of reading.

I am a special education teacher in a high poverty district. The Book Fairies have helped me build my classroom library, allow students to book shop from a variety of titles and many different genres, and we were able to send many high interest books home with the students to start their own libraries. It's incredibly rewarding to see children engrossed in books they are interested in! Thank you Book Fairies for all you've done for my students!

Amy and the Book Fairies helped to organize and run a COMPLETELY FREE book fair for the school I volunteer in. Every child in this underprivileged school received two free books and a book mark. They couldn't believe the books were actually theirs to keep. Their smiles and excitement still warm my heart. I love being a part of the magic that happens( thanks to The Book Fairies) when you place a book in a child's hands.

Volunteering with the Book Fairies is far more rewarding than I had anticipated. So many of us take for granted what we think of as "small" things, but a new book to a child that previously never owned one is a precious gift. Seeing a child's eyes light up when she understands that this is now "her" book to take home never gets old.

I am a special education teacher in an incredibly high needs district. Through the Book Fairies I have been able to help build my classroom library, allow students to book shop, and send over 30+ books each home with my students this year to build their home library. Often times I was buying books for an average of $10.00 a book and spending over $1,000.00 a year and still not being able to allow such incredibly opportunities for my students. I love seeing their faces when they get a new book and their excitement about becoming readers and writers!

I am an elementary school teacher, but currently taking a break from the classroom. I was looking for a volunteer experience that somehow still connected me with children and literature. Even though I do not work directly with children, I know that my help with The Book Fairies has a lasting effect on children all over New York. Amy has put so much time, effort, and love into this endeavor and it has been very exciting watching it grow! This organization that works so hard to get books into the hands of young children, building a literate future for our country.

Where else would we have had the opportunity to choose over 700 books to put into the hands of our children at Gardiner Manor for summer reading. This organization has afforded of the privilege of ensuring that each student can select a book in our 'SUMMER READING GIVEAWAY' on the last days of school.
This has been so inspiring to us as educators in a high poverty school always trying to encourage our students to read!

My program works with special needs preschool children in Queens, NY. Our parents and families are very invested in their children's education, especially their communication skills. Although a large percentage of the families receive public assistance services, they strive hard to provide appropriate learning toys for their children. Books play an important role in their seeking to enrich their children's growth. Parents' attendance at our workshops where we emphasize the importance of daily reading to children is always well attended. A recent parent workshop with a local children's librarian was an exciting experience for my families.

The books that I secured from Book Fairies will be so well used!! Some will be added to classroom libraries; others will be designated for a Parent Lending Library with suggestions given to the parents about reading the books to their developmentally delayed children in a manner that will maintain interest.

Your organization is a blessing to so many schools, teachers and children as they benefit from the opportunity to explore so many books.

I hope to return in the spring for more selections! Thank you for all that you do.

I've been volunteering at The Book Fairies for about 6 months and I'm amazed at how much is accomplished. Amy and Alyssa have found many people and organizations that contribute books and Amy's ideas for distributing them keep evolving. There are several programs in place to get books out to the children that will love them. I have been to the book fairs for teachers and they truly appreciate the organization and the opportunity to pick out books for their students.