How Donated Books are Changing Classrooms Across Colorado

At the heart of every thriving classroom is a good book—or a hundred of them. And yet, for many schools across Colorado and beyond, even the basics like books can be hard to come by. That’s where CIPA ELF’s Book Benefit Program (BBP) steps in.

The BBP collects donated books from individuals, publishers, and organizations and redistributes them to schools and nonprofits that need them most. Every book donated doesn’t just fill a shelf—it fills a gap in a child’s literacy journey.

We’ve heard from school staff who’ve watched children light up at the sight of a colorful picture book. We’ve seen community centers grow their lending libraries from a few battered paperbacks to full shelves of high-quality titles. In some cases, entire classroom curricula have expanded simply because teachers now have books they couldn’t otherwise afford.

What makes BBP work is generosity: the kind that comes from a neighbor clearing out their home library, or a small press sending over two dozen boxes of children’s books. It’s also the care we take in matching these donations with verified 501(c)(3) nonprofits and publicly funded schools, ensuring every title furthers CIPA ELF’s mission of advancing literacy and education.

Donating books is more than spring cleaning—it’s a direct contribution to a stronger, smarter, and more empowered community. If you’re looking to make a difference, consider starting with your bookshelf.