UWM Launched Book Drive for Local Schools
The university is collecting new books to support two Milwaukee area schools through late September.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you believe community book drives are an effective way to support local school students?
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has started a book drive to benefit Lloyd Barbee Montessori School and Hartford Avenue University School. The initiative seeks to collect at least 300 new books as part of Chancellor Thomas Gibson’s inauguration week.
Why it matters
The effort strengthens the existing volunteer partnerships between the university and the beneficiary schools. It utilizes local retail channels to facilitate community contributions toward educational resources.
The university has set a goal to collect at least 300 new books. Participating retailers Boswell Book Company and Wonderland Bookshop are offering discounts of 20% and 10% respectively on donations.
The players
Thomas Gibson
He is the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee whose inauguration week coincides with this philanthropic event.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
This public research university is hosting the drive to support its existing volunteer partnerships with local schools.
Boswell Book Company
This local bookstore is participating as a collection site and offering a 20% discount on books donated to the drive.
Wonderland Bookshop
This local bookstore is serving as a partner for the drive and providing a 10% discount to educators who participate.
The details
Community members can drop off new books at the UWM Center for Student Experience and Talent or purchase them through partner bookstores. Online shoppers at Boswell Book Company must include UWM BOOK DRIVE in their comment box to ensure proper processing.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: The university book drive concludes.
Market Landscape
This initiative leverages the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's volunteer partnership program to mobilize local resources. It highlights how educational institutions can use inaugural events to consolidate community relationships and enhance local institutional influence.
Residents can support local education by purchasing new books at a discount from participating retailers. The initiative offers a convenient way for the public to contribute to the school supply needs of local students through existing campus channels.
The takeaway
Participating in retail-backed donation drives can provide significant savings for contributors while ensuring schools receive new, requested materials. Always check specific merchant instructions, such as adding notes to online orders, to ensure your donation is correctly routed.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts in the Milwaukee Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by OnMilwaukee.
Live Poll
Do you believe community book drives are an effective way to support local school students?
