Bess the Book Bus, Inc

Our Give Day goal is to raise $10,000.

Bess the Book Bus volunteers and board members envision our hometown of Tampa Bay and our nation as one where all our children have access to the basic resources they need to be successful in school and later in life.

Bess is seeking funds to cover the shipping cost on donated books and maintenence on the book bus. Every dollar donated makes it possible for us to secure up to two brand new books for our kids. We hope to raise $7,500 for shipping on 15,000 new books and $2,500 to help us maintain Bess and keep us on the road and in our schools.

ABOUT BESS THE BOOK BUS

Established in 2002, Bess the Book Bus is the manifestation of founder and Executive Director, Jennifer Frances, who recognized the need for more children to share her own love of reading. Troubled by poverty levels that prevent children from owning books, Ms. Frances converted an old Volkswagen Bus into a mobile library that transported books and dreams to children throughout Hillsborough County. 

Bess travels to schools and community centers in underserved neighborhoods conducting ‘read alouds’ and giving books to children who might otherwise not have access to book ownership. Our mission is to provide access to literacy development by building home libraries that foster EVERY child’s love of books, despite familial financial limitations. Bess’ outreach started by bringing books and supplies to Head Start classrooms.  Soon Bess was partnering with school districts, Head Start facilities, homeless and domestic violence shelters, and community action groups.

In 2009, Bess expanded its programs nationwide and now distributes 50,000+ books to over 30,00 children and families annually!

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and donors, 2017 was Bess’ most successful year in Tampa Bay. Locally, we were able to serve more than 17,000 children and give away 21,000+ books. Nationwide, we served 48,035 kids and gave gave away 55,356 books across 129 towns in 22 states.

We look forward to growing this to 20,000 children served locally in 2018.

 Our 10th annual nationwide tour begins on 5/7. We will be bringing the joy of reading and book ownership to over 50,000 kids in no less than 164 towns across 33 states . 

Thank you for helping to make this possible.