In honor of February’s “I Love to Read Month,” here’s a story and an update about Kim Johnson, who loves to provide access for others who love to read!
Once upon a time (in 2017), Kim Johnson had a dream–to get books into the hands of kids and families who needed them most! She started collecting previously-loved books from thrift stores, library book sales, retiring teachers, schools, and generous people. Fast forward to 2025–dream update: Kim has given away over 100,000 children’s books locally and internationally!!
What did it take for her dream to become a difference-making reality??
- Frequent visits to collect books from her donation people and places
- A rented space for storing close to 10,000 books, with plenty of shelves to organize books by genre and level (an upgrade from using her garage!)
- Many boxes for sorting donations and organizing books she will take to the next events
- A passion to make a difference, and the help of friends and family members
This winter, Kim has already given away thousands of books.
- December education graduates from Bethel University received 407 books to start their classroom libraries.
- Students at Prodeo Academy in Columbia Heights chose 94 books at an evening event, and a teacher at the Saint Paul location received 157.
- Hundreds of parents and caregivers chose 827 books for their children from Kim’s tables during an event with Operation Joy at Mounds View Community Center. This toy and gift program was sponsored by the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf, Pursuit Community Church, Quincy House, and the MVCC.
- 1,800+ families who attended the Sanctuary Church and Salvation Army Toy Shop two-day event in north Minneapolis selected 2,356 free books to take home and love.
- In January, Kim gave away 107 books at Ramsey Elementary (Anoka-Hennepin School District) for an evening family event for English Language Learners.
- Bundles of Love in New Brighton received 60 board books for newborn baby bags.
- 275 books were donated to Jericho Road Ministries in Minneapolis.
- Hope Avenue Twin Cities Day Shelter was gifted with 75 books.
Kim’s books even left the country! Phase Two Cebu, a non-profit which starts school libraries in remote areas in the Philippines, was the beneficiary of 2,000 books, while Winnipeg’s SEED (Supporting Employment and Economic Development) received 150 books.
Do you love to read? Help Kim spread her dream of helping others who want to read. Donate new or used children’s books, or volunteer to help Kim distribute books at one of her upcoming events.
