Because Every Child Deserves a Story: Help Us Support Local Readers
Posted on June 11, 2026
Did You Realize That 61% of Low-Income Families Don’t Have Any Children’s Books at Home?
Think about that for a moment.
While many of us take bedtime stories and summer reading for granted, millions of children grow up without a single children’s book in their home. Research shows that access to books is one of the most important factors in helping children develop strong reading skills and succeed in school.
That’s one reason why, for the past 15 years, we’ve been collecting children’s books across the Main Line.
Through the generosity of thousands of customers, community events, and local drop-off locations, we’ve helped put books into the hands of children who need them most. You can learn more about our community events and collection efforts here:
https://bryn-mawr.certapro.
Why Books Matter
Summer can be especially challenging for children who don’t have books at home. While some children spend their summers reading and learning, others may go months without opening a book. Over time, that gap can have a lasting impact on literacy and educational success.
A single book may seem small, but it can spark imagination, encourage curiosity, and help a child discover a lifelong love of reading.
The good news? Donations make an immediate impact. We work with organizations such as Mitzvah Circle, Cradles to Crayons, and several other local charities.
Once collected, many of the books are distributed to children and families in underserved neighborhoods within days.
A Special Partner: Googahlinis Candyland
One of our biggest champions is Googahlinis Candyland in Newtown Square and its owner, Shauna.
Shauna grew up in a tough neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia. As a child, her happy place was a local candy store. It was somewhere she could go to feel safe, find peace, and simply be a kid.
Today, she’s created that same feeling for others through her own candy store.
Googahlinis Candyland is more than a candy shop – it’s a place where families gather, friendships are built, and children create happy memories. Shauna has been a tremendous supporter of our community efforts, helping collect winter coats during our annual coat drive and serving as our flagship location for children’s book donations.
Painting Happy This Summer
This summer we’re also encouraging children to express their creativity through our Painting Happy Contest.
When you drop off children’s books, you can pick up a customized Painting Happy coloring page and enter the contest for a chance to win prizes while sharing your creativity with the community.
Learn more about the contest here:
https://certapro.com/bryn-
How You Can Help
If you have gently used children’s books sitting on a shelf, consider donating them.
Learn more about our drop-off locations here:
https://certapro.com/bryn-mawr/community/book-drive/
The book your family has outgrown could become another child’s favorite story.
Together, we can help more children discover the joy of reading, spark their imagination, and create a brighter future – one book at a time.
Because every child deserves a story.
