Providence, R.I. (April 13, 2026) – The community is once again invited to give the gift of reading to kids across the Ocean State. Throughout the months of April and May, United Way of Rhode Island is hosting its 14th annual Children’s Book Drive in support of Books Are Wings, whose mission puts free books into the hands of kids from Woonsocket to Westerly.
Now in its 14th year, the book drive has collected more than 390,000 books since its inception, including 45,664 in 2025. The drive accepts new and gently used children’s books for babies through students in grade 5.
Through the end of May, United Way encourages local businesses, organizations, individuals and families to host book collections to help children across Rhode Island build their own home libraries. All books donated through the drive will be distributed by Books Are Wings through their school- and community-based programs, and summer learning partner sites.
The drive also includes a way to participate virtually by purchasing new books from Books Are Wings’ Amazon Wish List and having them shipped directly to the organization.
“When children aren’t reading proficiently by the end of third grade, they are far less likely to graduate high school, and right now, just one in three Rhode Island students meet or exceed reading expectations,” said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “Our Children’s Book Drive is a simple but powerful way the community can help ensure under-resourced families have access to the books children need to learn and thrive.”
There are dozens of book collection sites across the state and in nearby Massachusetts. Among them are United Way’s headquarters at 50 Valley Street in Providence, and the Books Are Wings office at Hope Artiste Village (1005 Main Street) in Pawtucket. Additionally, books can be donated at all Centreville Bank and Washington Trust branches in Rhode Island, all local Shaw’s markets, and Cardi’s Furniture and Mattress stores in West Warwick, Attleboro, and Swansea. A full list of collection sites can be found on the United Way website.
For questions related to United Way’s 14th annual Children’s Book Drive, or to request customizable posters and other assets, email bookdrive@unitedwayri.org.
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