Mission

Book Baskets is committed to giving new and lightly used books to those children in our area who might not otherwise have books of their own. We believe that one way to instill a love of books and to encourage reading is to ensure that all children have books that belong to them in their own library.
Our books are distributed to children at various school programs and social service agencies in Central Virginia.

In 2024 we donated over 22,000 books. 

Who

We are a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit started in 1995, the brainchild of Mildred Abraham who quickly recruited friends to help implement her idea of donating her children’s books to other children in the community. Over the years dozens of local volunteers have joined and helped to grow the organization. Originally we collected new and gently used books in wicker baskets placed in over 19 local schools, hence our name, Book Baskets. Now the majority of our books are bought at deep discount from the First Book and Scholastic Book programs. In addition to grants from our local benefactor BAMA WORKS, and national organizations such as Dollar General, we also receive thousands of free books from our local publisher McMillan. The majority of our funding however, comes from our generous supporters who donate each year to keep our mission alive. Thank you!

Click here to Donate through PayPal Giving Fund.

Today, Book Baskets has 9 board members whose work is supplemented by dedicated volunteers. 

Where

In 2019, Book Baskets moved to a new larger space at 400 Albemarle Square Shopping Center where we store books, rejuvenate used books, then sort and pack books for delivery to children.

We’re grateful for the generosity of Dumbarton Properties, The Ceiling and Floor Shop, and the UVa Reuse Store who helped make this move possible.

Book Recipients

We target groups where 70% or more of the children qualify for free or reduced lunches.  We distribute books through local social service agencies and educational programs.  We are always interested in expanding our program to new organizations.  Over the past several years, we have consistently donated more than 20,000 books per year to children in our community.  

Please help us continue our mission of providing free books for children in our community. 

• Send a check to Book Baskets at 105 Whetstone Place, Charlottesville VA 22901
• Sponsor a Book Drive.  We have baskets and posters.  Email Bookbaskets1995@gmail.com for more information
• Donate gently used children’s books.  Contact us through our email.
• Donate through PayPal Giving Fund by clicking on the link below.

Click Here to Donate Through PayPal Giving Fund