Free Books, Powered by Community Generosity
Receiving the gift of books matters
Supporting families in building home libraries dramatically strengthens literacy and learning:
“When children have books readily accessible at home, they gain a significant academic advantage…Giving children books to take home can positively impact their lives and academics, regardless of their parents’ educational or economic background.”
– World Literacy Foundation
“Research has shown that the very existence of books in the home is correlated with student well-being, academic achievement, and future success.”
– Scholastic Research & Validation. (2023). Scholastic Home Libraries Topic Paper. New York: Scholastic.
When our community funds free books, kids read more, families connect and learning thrives.
MEMBERS CAN RECEIVE A FREE BOOK THROUGH
Community events at the library where donations help put free books directly into reader’s hands.
Educational Outreach:
Library staff visits to school district classrooms, delivered through group sessions and book talks.
Community Outreach:
Library-led activities around Wheeling, Buffalo Grove and Prospect Heights.
Farmer’s market pop-ups, school district events and more.
How You Can Help
Support the library programs you love. Your gift to the Foundation strengthens reading clubs, fuels creativity for the Launch Pad Makerspace-In-Residence Program and ensures resources are available when they’re needed most. Choose how your donation makes an impact. Champion literacy locally through donations and service projects. Sponsor a book giveaway, co-host an outreach event, or underwrite a reading program. View our past and current sponsors. Join the Foundation’s volunteer team to help plan events, fund literacy programs and spread the joy of reading. Thank you to our current and past supporters: The primary funder for many community reading initiatives. Helen N. Morrow was a devoted longtime resident of Wilmette. A proud graduate of Doane College and a Fulbright Scholar, she earned her master’s degree in education and dedicated nearly 40 years to teaching History and Economics at New Trier High School. Helen was deeply committed to her community, generously supporting local charities throughout her life. The library received a donation from the Helen N. Morrow Trust in 2016. Yes. Donate through the Foundation for the Indian Trails Public Library District, a registered 501(c)(3). Per Sponsorship Policy 2.51, recognition may include naming, logos and acknowledgements aligned with program guidelines. For more information, please contact Jen Schmidt or call 847.279.2222. The Foundation for the Indian Trails Public Library District is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Every gift helps open doors.
Partner with us to encourage community reading.
Join our team – make literacy accessible to all.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Foundation for the Indian Trails Public Library
Joan Luttge Trust
Helen N. Morrow Trust
