Literacy is key to high school graduation and later success. However, 40 percent of area students do not read proficiently by third grade. Helping to stem this tide is the Queen City Book Bank, whose mission is to get the right books and resources to the children who need them most. Southwest Ohio Parent spoke to Michelle Otten Guenther, executive director of Queen City Book Bank, to learn more about this noble nonprofit.
How does the Queen City Book Bank work?
At the Queen City Book Bank (QCBB), we work in tandem with our community to champion the development of literacy through tutoring, little free libraries, literacy outreach and guaranteeing book access for our neighbors. QCBB’s signature new curated book distribution program provides 10 new books annually to K-3rd grade students throughout Greater Cincinnati who lack reliable, targeted book access. These books are selected from our online inventory by their teachers who know them best.
Tell us about your tutoring program for adults and children.
We provide training, background checks, and placement for over 1,200 volunteer tutors each year. Tutors meet once a week for one-on-one sessions with K-6th grade students at Cincinnati Public Schools or with adult basic literacy learners at the Queen City Book Bank.
What are the Little Free Libraries?
One of the most effective ways to boost a child’s reading success is by increasing their access to books, particularly at home. This is the driving force behind the launch of our Little Free Library (LFL) program in 2018. Since then, we have partnered with local organizations to establish 227 LFLs and distribute over 300,000 books — and we continue to expand! These mini libraries are available to any neighborhood in the Cincinnati/Northern KY area that lacks access to books. Queen City Book Bank receives thousands of gently used books each year, and LFLs provide an ideal way to connect those books with children and families who need them the most.
What exciting programs are scheduled in 2025?
We host book giveaway days every quarter. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to “shop” for as many gently used books as they need, completely free of charge. We invite local authors to join us to sign books and often have local athletes volunteer to read with children. Our upcoming book giveaway days are March 25 and July 15.
Each year, we host a special fundraiser called the Gala for Literacy: One for the Books. This year’s event will take place at the Hard Rock Casino on February 20, and we invite everyone to join us for a fun evening.
How can people support QCBB?
People can give back through programs such as Joseph-Beth Gives Back, Kroger Community Rewards and Walmart Round-Up, as well as the following:
- Hold a book drive or purchase books for donation on our Amazon wish list (https://amzn.to/3T2ySB4)
- Sign up to become a tutor, Little Free Library steward or book bank volunteer
- Make a donation
- Attend the Gala for Literacy. Sponsorships are available now and individual tickets will be available early January.
More information about Queen City Book Bank can be found at www.queencitybookbank.org or by calling (513) 256-2529.
