There is no question about the power of reading, especially for children. It allows kids to explore different worlds, learn new things and build the academic foundation necessary for success in school and beyond. However, not all elementary students have access to engaging books and opportunities to read outside of the classroom. Book Book Go is dedicated to eliminating the literacy gap by bringing its Book Bus to underserved elementary schools in the St. Louis region. Students get to select brand new books to take home and discover the joy of reading. T&S spoke with executive director Michael Shipley to learn more about the nonprofit.
What is the mission of Book Book Go?
We want to spark children’s imagination by getting books to those who do not have them at home. Our goal is to make kids smile while encouraging a love of reading.
Why is childhood literacy an important issue?
Research has shown just how important reading is for elementary students. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, one in six children who don’t read proficiently by third grade will not graduate high school. Students who struggle with reading have a harder time catching up with each grade level. Book Book Go works to get them excited about reading so they can succeed. Two years ago, I assisted in founding the National Book Access Association, which consists of children’s book giveaway nonprofit organizations across the country.
Where did the idea for Book Book Go?
There is an organization in San Francisco called Bring Me a Book, and we started as Bring Me a Book St. Louis. Originally, we focused on building classroom libraries and creating bags of books for kids to take home. After a few years, we decided to transition to a bookmobile, and with that, we became Book Book Go.
Why the move to a bookmobile?
With the classroom libraries, kids didn’t get to keep the books. We wanted to encourage more at-home reading. Plus, who doesn’t love a bookmobile? The kids always light up when they see it. With the Book Bus, we are able to bring the experience of shopping in a bookstore to these schools. Kids get to pick out what they want to read from a selection of brand new books.
What schools do you work with?
We work with other organizations to reach underserved communities. Thanks to support from the St. Louis Philanthropic Foundation, we delivered more than 1,000 new books to second and third graders in five St. Louis Public Schools in 2024 alone. Working with the Saigh Foundation, we have been able to bring the Book Bus to schools in the Cahokia and East St. Louis school districts for several years. Through our efforts, more than 175,000 books have gone to local students since 2015.
Where else can people find Book Book Go?
This summer, we’re looking forward to participating in the National Council of Jewish Women’s Back to School! Store. It’s the 25th anniversary of the event, and we’re excited to give kids some books when they come to pick up school supplies. Book Book Go also is working on getting involved in other back to school events this year.
How can people support the organization?
We can always use volunteers and donations. Currently, we are not taking book donations from the general public. We hope that St. Louisans want to get involved. The kids are always so excited when the Book Bus pulls up to their school. It’s a great opportunity to put a smile on the face of local students and help make their days a little brighter.
For more information, visit bookbookgo.com.
Photo courtesy of Book Book Go
