Simple & Free
How It Works
From your first application to the day a child pulls a book off the shelf — here's exactly what happens.
Your Shelter Applies
Fill out our application, it takes about 10 minutes. Tell us about your shelter, the children you serve, and why a bookshelf would make a difference. There is no cost, no catch, and no complicated process. We review every application personally.
We Review the Applications
We read every application carefully. We look at the children you serve, the need in your community, and your shelter's situation. Our current goal is to place one fully stocked bookshelf every quarter, so we select thoughtfully. If approved, we'll reach out to confirm your shipping address and get things moving.
Books Are Hand-Selected
We curate approximately 100 new and like-new children's books: board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, and more. We intentionally select titles that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and empathy, choosing stories that reflect the children we serve and that spark genuine joy, curiosity, and a sense of belonging.
Your Bookshelf Ships
We ship an easy-to-assemble bookshelf directly to your shelter. The books and anti-tip wall-bracing hardware will arrive in a separate shipment. Once everything has arrived, you'll be ready to set up.
You Set It Up Safely
Your team assembles the shelf, fills it with books, and braces it securely to the wall using the included hardware. Safety is a condition of the program: the shelf must be wall-braced before children have access.
Share a Photo & Keep Reading
Once it's set up, send us a photo. The bookshelf and every book on it belong to your shelter permanently: no returns, no fees, no strings. Every child who walks through your door has free, open access to read.
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…study shows a dramatic and positive link between a fun and simple activity—reading for pleasure in early childhood—and better cognition, mental health, and educational attainment in adolescence.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really no cost to our shelter?
None at all. The bookshelf, the books, the shipping, everything is completely free to your shelter. Tannenbaum Libraries is funded entirely by Walnut Street Bookkeeping.
What kinds of books are included?
We include a mix of board books, picture books, early readers, and chapter books chosen to serve a range of ages and reading levels. We intentionally seek out titles that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and empathy: stories where every child can see themselves reflected on the page.
How long does it take after we apply?
Applications are reviewed quarterly. If approved, we'll be in touch to confirm details and coordinate shipping.
How many shelves do you send out, and when?
Our current goal is to place one fully stocked bookshelf every quarter. We accept applications year-round, and depending on response, we may develop a waitlist. Every application is read carefully, and we appreciate your patience as we grow the program.
Do we have to return the books or the shelf?
No. The bookshelf and every book on it are a permanent gift to your shelter. They belong to you.
What is the wall-bracing requirement?
For the safety of the children in your care, the bookshelf must be braced to a wall stud before use. We include anti-tip hardware with every shipment. You may also use your own approved anti-tip hardware that screws securely into the wall.
Can we apply if we've already received a shelf?
If your shelter has grown or your needs have changed, please reach out through our contact form and we'll be happy to discuss your revised needs.
Ready to Apply?
If your shelter serves children, we want to hear from you. The application takes about 10 minutes and there is absolutely no cost — ever.