Madison Reading Project Launches Community Book Drive
The sixth annual drive aims to raise $100,000 and collect 4,000 new books for children before winter break.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Do you plan to donate books or money to a local book drive this holiday season?
The Madison Reading Project launched its sixth annual Community Book Drive on November 10, 2026, with a goal of raising $100,000 and collecting 4,000 new books. The drive runs through December 10, 2026, and the nonprofit plans to distribute more than 10,000 books to children in the community.
Why it matters
Access to books that reflect children's identities and introduce them to different experiences can help encourage a lifelong love of reading. The drive gives Madison-area residents a direct way to put books in the hands of local kids.
The drive targets $100,000 in fundraising and 4,000 new books before winter break, with more than 10,000 books planned for distribution to children. Progress toward these goals had not been reported at the time of the launch.
The players
Madison Reading Project
A Madison-based nonprofit that organizes the annual Community Book Drive and distributes books to children in the area.
Empty Stocking Club
A community partner working with the Madison Reading Project to distribute donated books to children.
The details
Community members can donate new books at Book Wish Trees placed at shopping centers, libraries, and local bookstores throughout Dane County, buy books through online wish lists, or make financial contributions. Several area businesses, community organizations, and employee groups are also hosting their own book drives, with participating bookstores including Lake City Books, Mystery To Me, and Ink & Ivy.
Timeline
November 10, 2026: Community Book Drive kicks off.
December 10, 2026: Book collection ends.
End of 2026: Financial donations continue to be accepted through year end.
Community Access
The drive works alongside the Monona and Waunakee public libraries, which are partnering to distribute books, extending existing public library access into a community-wide donation effort. Its collection points at libraries and local bookstores reflect how these institutions already serve as hubs for children's reading in the region.
Madison-area residents can drop off new books at Book Wish Trees at local libraries, shopping centers, and bookstores before December 10, 2026. Financial donations can be made through the end of the year.
The takeaway
Donating a new book or contributing financially before December 10, 2026 helps the Madison Reading Project reach its goal of distributing more than 10,000 books to local children.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage tied to Madison community giving efforts.
Live Poll
Do you plan to donate books or money to a local book drive this holiday season?
