Help us cultivate a love of reading in Miami
Some of the best moments in our city happen around books. It might be a second grader holding a signed copy of the first "read for fun" book she has ever owned. It might be a senior finding new friends in a book club, or a room full of neighbors moved to tears by a story about the place we call home.
Those moments are why the Books & Books Literary Foundation exists. For nearly 45 years, Books & Books has been a gathering place for Miami's readers. Since 2023, our Foundation has carried that welcome beyond the store's walls, putting more than 35,000 books into the hands of neighbors who need them most, and bringing along the authors who wrote them.
Our mission is simple: nurture readers and writers, build community, and advocate for free expression and the freedom to read.
This Give Miami Day, we hope to raise $50,000, the equivalent of 5,000 new books for Miami children and families.
What we do
-
Meet an Author, Build a Library. We bring authors into Title I schools and give every student, not just those who can afford it, a signed copy of the author's book. So far, 36 authors have made 70 visits to Title I schools. Produced in partnership with, and at no cost to, Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
-
Great Big Free Book Fairs. We bring free book fairs to shelters and community spaces, and to libraries from North Dade to Overtown to Homestead with the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library. Children meet authors and take home new books at no cost.
-
Silent Reading Parties. Free gatherings where neighbors of every age put their phones away and get lost in a good book, at Books & Books stores and spaces like MOCA North Miami and CocoWalk.
-
Author conversations at Books & Books and partner venues, pairing national voices with local moderators. This year's guests have included bestselling novelists like Marlon James and Min Jin Lee, and award-winning journalists like Patrick Radden Keefe and Jodi Kantor. Most programs are free and all are open to the public.
-
Our Shared Story: Reflections on America at 250, a free series with Coral Gables Congregational Church, where interfaith clergy, leaders of justice-focused nonprofits, and other prominent South Floridians answer the question, "What does America at 250 mean to you?" The first 50 attendees receive free books and continue the conversation over a reception catered by the Books & Books Coral Gables Cafe.
-
Books & Books & Clubs, a new community for book clubs, and our upcoming senior book club program. Book clubbers find new clubs, connect in person, discover books, and celebrate the joy of reading together.
-
Freedom to read. During Banned Books Week, we hosted a free screening of The Librarians documentary at the Coral Gables Art Cinema, and a First Amendment family event with PEN America. We advocate year-round against book bans and censorship in Florida.
-
Community partnerships. This summer, 230 campers at Shake-a-Leg's marine camp for kids with disabilities each went home with a signed book. We also give books to and host events with shelters, early childhood programs, and partners like Americans for Immigrant Justice and Special Olympics Florida.
The Books & Books Literary Foundation was recognized in 2026 with the Community Catalyst Award from Elevate Cities, and the Literacy Laureate award from the Coral Gables Family Literacy Festival.
Your gift at work
- $25 gives a new book to a senior who can't afford one
- $50 provides "read for fun" books to 5 students
- $100 sends 10 preschoolers home from a Great Big Free Book Fair with new books
- $250 gives a signed book to every student in one K-12 classroom
- $500 hosts a phone-free Silent Reading Party in a Miami-Dade community
- $2,000 supports an author visit to a Title I public school
- $5,000 brings an author to a public school AND gives free signed books to two entire K-12 grades
Every gift, of any size, makes a difference, and 100% of your contribution supports the Foundation's programs. Thanks to Susan Shure and Michael Frommer and an anonymous donor, the first $2,000 in gifts will be matched, so give early to double your impact.
The director of the Shake-a-Leg marine camp for disabled children told us: "For many of our campers, opportunities like this are rare. Meeting authors in person, hearing their stories, and receiving free books sparked curiosity, imagination, and the interest to read. These meaningful moments help inspire the importance of literacy in ways that extend beyond the classroom."
Give early, then share. Early Giving opens November 14, and Give Miami Day is November 19. After you give, please share this page with a friend who loves books as much as you do. Every gift and every share brings us closer to 5,000 books. Want to do even more? Start your own fundraiser for us in a few clicks.
Thank you for being part of our story and for helping us inspire our community, one story at a time.