Frequently Asked questions
Who is The Free Book Bus for?
We have two missions. The first mission of The Free Book Bus is to enable all children and young people to have a home library. Our primary focus is children and young adults who cannot easily afford and/or access books in Charlottesville, Albemarle, Nelson, and surrounding areas.
Our secondary focus is encouragement of reading for all. Everyone is welcome to visit The Free Book Bus!
Is The Free Book Bus a nonprofit?
Yes. The Free Book Bus has been a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2018.
Is the bus insured? Do you publish your financial statements?
Yes, the bus is insured. We have a commercial auto policy through Progressive and a general liability policy through Auto-Owners Insurance. Our financial statements are posted as they come out. Please click the button below to see them.
What is your event policy?
The Free Book Bus primarily goes to places like food pantries, shelters, community organizations, and Title One schools where many kids have barriers to accessing and/or affording books. The Free Book Bus attends some public events, such as events at Ix Park. We do not take the bus to events that charge admission, unless funds are being raised for a nonprofit or charity; these events are decided on a case by case basis. The Free Book Bus sometimes attends neighborhood events, but the event must be open to the public (or in a neighborhood that fits our mission). The Free Book Bus does not attend events or locations that endorse a specific religion, with the exception of PACEM shelters. We attend certain parties hosted by organizations we work with, but we do not take the bus to parties at private homes. (We occasionally take the bus to a club or organization to show people the bus and to talk about our mission). We'd love to hear about your event - please get in touch if you have questions!
How can I help The Free Book Bus?
We are currently accepting book donations, but only in certain categories. Due to Covid, we are only accepting books in excellent/like new condition. We are usually accepting: board books, hardcover picture books, anime/manga, graphic novels (things like Wimpy Kid, and older graphic novels), Harry Potter, Mo Willems, most comic books, and books about popular categories like vehicles, dinosaurs, and princesses/fairies. We can pick up or arrange for you to drop off. Monetary donations to buy books and gas for the bus are also welcome at any time. You can use the PayPal button to donate or send a check. You can also gift books to the bus using our Amazon wish list - this is a great source for books that are difficult to find, such as Spanish, French, Pashto, and Arabic books. Please see our Amazon wish list to find out more.
Is there a local alternative?
Yes! We recently created multiple wishlists on the website Bookshop.org. We partner with Bluebird Books, a local bookshop that operates from a vintage camper. If you mention that you are shopping for The Free Book Bus, you will receive a 15% discount on any donated books! Here are links to our wishlists: