Books 'n' Bears at the Holidays

By donating to Books 'n' Bears at the Holidays, you'll be part of ensuring that 3,000 underprivileged preschool children receive a new book and a cuddly teddy bear this holiday season.


Help us continue this tradition with your generous gift and read the story of the Books 'n' Bears founder.


The best early childhood memories are made of picture books, teddy bears, storytelling, and hugs.


At Broward County Library in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the dream of a thoughtful, generous man named Bert S. Harmon has made these memories possible for thousands of needy children over the past 35 years.

Bert, an active library volunteer and a founder of the Broward Public Library Foundation, listened closely as staff described their visits to local child-care centers, and how excited the children were to read books that were delivered to the centers by the county's bookmobile. Bert was inspired and that year, he delivered 200 books personally to the child-care centers. The next year, Bert decided to add a stuffed animal. A teddy bear - Book Bear - seemed like the perfect choice.


In time, the Books 'n' Bears at the Holidays program evolved into a series of lively library parties, with songs and stories, for children enrolled at child centers in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Every year, the Broward community helps support this program through gifts to the Broward Public Library Foundation’s annual appeal. To be part of this amazing program, simply fill out the form below.


Along with the Library Foundation, Books ‘N’ Bears is sponsored by Broward County Library, Florida Panthers Foundation, Community Foundation of Broward, and PNC Foundation.

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