Blue Manatee Literacy Project

A nonprofit organization

0% complete

$10,000 Goal


Since 2019, the Blue Manatee Literacy Project (BMLP) has gifted thousands of books to children in need throughout the Cincinnati area. The majority of the students served have little or no access to free educational support. In addition to providing literacy resources, BMLP focusea on providing innovative support programming and experiences to underserved young readers.

 

When COVID hit, we knew our work had just started. We learned that in underserved areas, there is only one age-appropriate book for every 300 children, as compared to an average of 13 books in the homes of their more affluent peers. With good reason, national and regional efforts to build resource pathways to young readers have gained recognition and traction. While Imagination Library has been an incredible local program, they discontinue support after age 5, leaving a large resource accessibility gap for elementary students.

 

We also knew that to scale our efforts, we needed to pivot to serve more children. We partnered with many organizations during this time, one of which was the Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati. In those discussions, both organizations realized we are facing monumental challenges in our schools as students and teachers work to catch up with reading losses exacerbated by the pandemic. We also agreed bold solutions require bold action, which is why we joined forces in the creation of the Queen City Book Bank (QCBB). By utilizing the strengths of both organizations, we will move the needle forward toward a more literate community!

What is the QCBB?

QCBB is working to establish a digitally enabled portal to receive, sort and distribute 350,000 books annually (at scale) to the estimated 35,000 Greater Cincinnati students in grades K-6 who lack consistent access to books. In addition to providing book supply, sorting and distribution, the 20,000 square foot physical QCBB space will serve as a hub of information and outreach for parents, educators, community partners and community members. QCBB visitors and volunteers will help us radically transform the literacy landscape in our community, encouraging more tutors, more book drives and enhanced awareness.

We can all make a greater impact together. This is where YOU come in. YOU can be an important part of the QCBB and improve the educational outcomes for our children!


How can you help?

Core values at the QCBB include community involvement and the power of volunteerism. We need the community to be a part of the solution and there are so many ways you can get involved:

  1. Donate
  2. Book Sorting/Scanning/etc. Schedule a time to volunteer at the Book Bank!
  3. Get your Company Involved: Do a Volunteer Gives Back Day or Matching Donations!
  4. Hold a Book Drive
  5. Tutor an Adult or Child
  6. Attend a Literacy Event
  7. Share our Mission!

Visit: Bluemanatee.org and Queencitybookbank.org to learn more about our new endeavor. Don’t take our word for it, call us to come visit or come volunteer: 513-621-7323!

 


Media:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ9cIU49WLs

https://local12.com/news/local/tri-states-first-book-bank-unlike-any-other-in-the-country

https://www.citybeat.com/arts-culture/lit/blog/21157677/new-queen-city-book-bank-offers-innovative-approach-to-childhood-literacy-and-book-access

https://moversmakers.org/2021/11/02/queen-city-book-bank-now-open-for-donations/

https://www.endbookdeserts.com/so/daNq4fjGe?languageTag=en&cid=67e88682-3e15-4f63-83d9-9e78f265f4a0#/main

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDEtqBLkYUI

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Blue Manatee Literacy Project

Tax id (EIN)

83-3201848

Categories

Education

Address

3094 MADISON ROAD SUITE 1A
CINCINNATI, OH 45209

Phone

513 257 0774

Social Media