We put books into the hands of children in need — in Title I schools, hospitals, shelters, and communities across 37 countries.
Our Story
In 2010, Megan Mettler — just 12 years old — launched KidsREAD! as a community service project. With her classmates' help, she collected over 13,000 books for children in need and disaster areas across the country.
In 2014, Barry Ackerman, co-founder of the Orange County Children's Book Festival, took the reins. Under his leadership, KidsREAD! has grown to serve over 200,000 children — from Title I schools in Orange County to remote villages in Africa, Borneo, Malaysia, and Nepal.
Today, our programs include donating books to newborns in hospitals, distributing STEM books through the National Space Society, and partnering with the World Federation of Youth Clubs to reach 3,000+ affiliates in 37 countries.
501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Nonprofit
EIN 83-0520715 — Your donation is fully tax-deductible
Watch Our Story
Watch the moment we donated our 200,000th book — a milestone years in the making.
What We Do
From local schools to international communities, every program puts books directly into children's hands.
For less than $1 per child, provide a reading book for every student (Pre-K through 5th) in a Title I school. Each book includes a sticker acknowledging your organization's donation.
$1 Per Child
In partnership with Pretend City Children's Museum and Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, we give new mothers a free book to take home and read to their newborn.
Hospital ProgramThrough a grant from the National Space Society and Club for the Future (Blue Origin), we distribute space-related STEM books — complete with postcards that travel to space!
NSS Partnership
Via the World Federation of Youth Clubs, our books reach children in 37 countries. Recent deliveries include the Weaver School in Congo and communities in Nepal and Borneo.
37 Countries
Every Halloween, kids in costume choose a free book instead of candy. In 2024, we gave away over 940 books at six Orange County locations. A beloved annual tradition.
Annual Event
We work with Rotary clubs, Kiwanis, Boys & Girls Clubs, Emblem Clubs, and school districts to bring books to children through trusted local organizations year-round.
OngoingWhere We Serve
We partner with school districts across Orange County to reach children who need books most.
2,542 space/STEM books delivered to 12 schools via the National Space Society grant. Ongoing Adopt-a-School programs.
OUSDLong-standing partnership for Title I school book donations, including Hicks Canyon, Ladera, and Tustin Ranch Elementary.
TUSDPeters Elementary and other schools served through Emblem Club and community partnerships — three consecutive years.
GGUSDYouth Leadership
Young people are at the heart of KidsREAD! — from our founding by a 12-year-old to today's Kiwanis youth volunteers.
High school students from Orange County Kiwanis Key Clubs volunteer at book distributions, sort donations, and help organize community events throughout the year.
Through the World Federation of Youth Clubs, young leaders from 37 countries help coordinate international book deliveries, including recent efforts in Congo and Nepal.
From Tustin-Santa Ana Rotary to Garden Grove Emblem Club, volunteers of all ages help sort, label, and distribute tens of thousands of books each year.
Our Network
From national institutions to local school districts, our partners make every book donation possible.
Latest Stories
Stories from the communities and children whose lives are changed by the gift of reading.
2025 Milestone
KidsREAD! reached a historic milestone — over 200,000 books donated to children in need since our founding in 2010.
International
KidsREAD! and World Youth Clubs delivered over 300 books to the Weaver School in Goma, DRC.
STEM Education
2,542 space/STEM books delivered to 12 Orange Unified schools with Blue Origin postcards.
October 2024
Six OC locations participated in our annual event where kids in costume choose a free book.
Community
The Emblem Club continues supporting Peters Elementary for the third consecutive year.
Healthcare
Bilingual books to 50-60 infants monthly through the Baby Steps program.
May 2025
KidsREAD! partners with St George Tennis and World Youth Clubs to bring books to young athletes.
April 2025
Books donated at Hardeeville Elementary with Public Tennis Inc. for International Children's Book Day.
Support Our Mission
Every dollar and every book puts reading into a child's hands. Choose how you'd like to help.
Give securely through PayPal. Any amount helps — $25 provides books for 25 children.
Donate with PayPalSecure payment via PayPal
Send a donation instantly with Venmo. Every book you fund puts a smile on a child's face.
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KidsREAD! is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit. Your donation is fully tax-deductible.
EIN: 83-0520715
Get In Touch
Whether you want to donate, volunteer, request books for your school, or learn more — we'd love to hear from you.
Thank you for reaching out. Barry will get back to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook for the latest updates!
