Community Outreach Programs
We believe that reading is central to thriving, connected communities. We transform our community through providing access to affordable books, championing a lifelong love of reading and writing for everyone, and creating spaces for real-life connection
ABC in the community.
Free and Affordable Books
Access to books is the number one barrier to literacy. Therefore, the heart of ABC’s outreach is distributing free new and used books across the Asbury Park area. Some of our free distribution programs include Books & Bubbles-bookshelves with free books inside laundromats, BBQ & Books-a community BBQ and free book distribution, and distribution at the Music Mondays concert series presented by the Asbury Music Foundation. We also offer a wide variety of high-quality, affordable used books and hold regular used book sales like 10 Cent Saturdays where used books are just $0.10.
Annual Backpack Drive
Each year, our Annual Backpack Drive equips local students with the tools they need to succeed. Through the generosity of our community, we distribute backpacks filled with school supplies and age-appropriate books to youth, supporting both literacy and learning from day one. More than just a giveaway, the drive is part of our broader mission to promote literacy equity and foster strong community connections.
School & Community Partnerships
We partner with local schools and community organizations to donate thousands of new and used books annually, organize inclusive book fairs, facilitate field trips to the store, and coordinate literary and literacy focused youth events. These partnerships helping children from all backgrounds see themselves reflected in the stories they read.
Holiday Book Drive
The Holiday Book Drive is one of our longest running initiatives. From donations from shoppers, members, publishing partners, and donors, ABC distributes brand new age-appropriate and language-inclusive books for youth of all ages . We partner with community organizations, schools, libraries, and other community institutions to serve youth across the community. Last year, we donated more than 1,000 books, and the number continues to grow! The books are wrapped by volunteers so that every child gets the joy of unwrapping their newest books.
Story Hours
Shared story time is not just fun, it’s a critical component to healthy brain development. Youth who are read to on a regular basis have better language, cognitive, literacy, emotional regulation, and emotional awareness skills than those who are not read to regularly.* ABC volunteers and staff read age-appropriate stories to youth of all ages. The beautiful thing about Story Hour is that it can happen anywhere! We travel across Asbury Park to share our favorite stories with budding readers.
*Source: Child Mind Institute, 2024.