Welcome to Find Book Joy!
Join us to Expand Access to Books and Open Doors to Reading Achievement!
Access and Choice in Book Selection
Find Book Joy: Providing Books of Choice at No Cost to Children Eager to Own their Own Books
Find Book Joy is a local book donation and distribution partnership in Fairfield County, CT that increases equitable access to book ownership by redistributing book wealth at no cost to children in Title I schools. We remove the high cost barrier to book ownership and provide abundant choice to culturally affirming, inclusive children's books, allowing eager young readers to experience the magic and promise of book joy. Reach out today if you have good quality children's books to rehome and one of our Book Joy Ambassadors will respond ASAP. Thank you for sharing your book joy with children eager to own their own books!
Our Purpose
Providing increased access to book ownership to children at no cost protects the right of every child to access reading achievement. Find Book Joy believes that literacy is a civil right that should not be restricted by financial limitations. Access to free children's books for children in communities of economic need removes the cost barrier to book ownership and opens doors to promise and potential, so that every child can experience the curiosity and confidence sparked by book joy!
Find Book Joy: Fun Facts
Our Founder
Carolyn Polchinski, Ed.D., a tenacious literacy advocate, holds a Doctorate in Education with a subspeciality in Reading and Literacy Studies. Early on in life, Carolyn cultivated a strong interest in the magic of storytelling, wonder, and imagination that could be discovered in children's books. She soon developed the keen understanding, instilled by her parents, that reading books held the key to infinite opportunities in life. Through her meaningful teaching experiences, Carolyn learned of the sharp disparities in access to book ownership that result from vast contrasts in family income and financial resources. In response, Carolyn founded the Find Book Joy program as a way to increase equitable access to book ownership and choice in book selection for children living in economically disadvantaged communities. In her leadership role as Founder and Lead Book Joy Ambassador, Carolyn is determined to effect lasting and meaningful change, so that all children, in every zip code, can experience the magic and promise of BOOK JOY!
Our Approach
Our books are sourced from well-resourced families and schools who partner with us to share their existing book wealth in hopes of providing equitable reading opportunities and increased choice in book selection to children most in need. We currently accept children's book donations from private donors in NY and CT from our new Amazon wish list. This book wealth is then sorted and categorized for distribution and delivery to children on our wait list eager to own their own books!
Our Books
All of the books that we provide to children are inclusive, accessible, culturally affirming, developmentally appropriate, and represent a wide range of genres. We have recently added an Amazon wish list for book donors seeking to expand our collection. Every book is first vetted by Carolyn Polchinski and skilled volunteers prior to distribution to children. In this model, young readers are provided with the gift of CHOICE in book selection, as choice provides children with pride in ownership, agency, dignity, and increased motivation to read.
Testimonials
A Parent's Gratitude
A Program Leader's Gratitude
A Program Leader's Gratitude
"Dear Carolyn,
My children were so happy and excited to tell me all about the books that you delivered to our home! My husband and I are both so grateful that you have come into our lives, not just for showering our children with books, but for pouring into them, and investing your time, energy, and resources. These gifts are an investmen
"Dear Carolyn,
My children were so happy and excited to tell me all about the books that you delivered to our home! My husband and I are both so grateful that you have come into our lives, not just for showering our children with books, but for pouring into them, and investing your time, energy, and resources. These gifts are an investment into their future, and we are truly thankful. At this point Carolyn, you are considered extended family! Thank you for sharing the book joy with my children!"
– Danita R., parent of Book Joy recipient, Stratford, CT.
A Program Leader's Gratitude
A Program Leader's Gratitude
A Program Leader's Gratitude
"Carolyn, also known as the Book Fairy, brought her incredible Book Joy program to NHA, and it was magical! With her personalized approach, she carefully selected books tailored to each child’s unique interests, sparking their imaginations. The one-on-one reading sessions allowed students to experience books in a whole new light, enhancin
"Carolyn, also known as the Book Fairy, brought her incredible Book Joy program to NHA, and it was magical! With her personalized approach, she carefully selected books tailored to each child’s unique interests, sparking their imaginations. The one-on-one reading sessions allowed students to experience books in a whole new light, enhancing their reading comprehension skills. The Book Fairy’s dedication and passion for fostering a love of literature impacted our students in a meaningful way. We are so grateful for the joy and inspiration that Carolyn and her Book Joy program have brought to them."
- Shana J., Norwalk Housing Authority Learning Center Leader
A Parent's Gratitude
A Program Leader's Gratitude
A Parent's Gratitude
“Thanks to the thoughtful support from Book Fairy, my daughter now has beautifully chosen, culturally appropriate books she absolutely loves. I was especially touched when Carolyn personally delivered the books to our home — that extra connection made it feel truly special. She also takes the time to stay informed on my daughter’s progres
“Thanks to the thoughtful support from Book Fairy, my daughter now has beautifully chosen, culturally appropriate books she absolutely loves. I was especially touched when Carolyn personally delivered the books to our home — that extra connection made it feel truly special. She also takes the time to stay informed on my daughter’s progress, which means so much to us as a family. Thank you."
- Janette K., Parent of Book Joy recipient, Bridgeport, CT
Find Book Joy: A Gallery of Literacy Wonders
The Magic of Book Joy
Sign Up Today!
Enroll now to receive free books from FIND BOOK JOY for your child or your students and one of our Book Joy Ambassadors will contact you today!
