The My Own Book Program was established by the Freeman-Harrison Family Foundation in 1999 to support child literacy and foster a love of reading among the most disadvantaged of New York City's children, many of whom have never owned a book they could call their own.

My Own Book—in a Nutshell:
Click here to download our brochure.

Today the My Own Book Program provides field trips for third grade classes in the New York City public schools to Barnes & Noble bookstores where each child is given a $50 allowance to purchase their very own books. We have over 40 volunteers who, in the 2007-2008 School Year alone, have organized over 150 visits in all 5 boroughs for over 4,000 kids in 37 inner-city schools who have purchased almost 24,000 books!

The wide-eyed enthusiasm and wonder of the children as they enter the bookstore permeates the building and extends to their excited determination to finding books that are "just right" for them. Their faces - many of which appear on this site - reveal a new-found sense of pride in selecting, purchasing and owning their new books. The teachers, parents, book store employees and our Volunteers, all get a sense that this indeed is a memorable, special day in the lives of these children.

We invite you to explore our web site, to look at the wonderful testimonials from our children and teachers, to learn about volunteer opportunities and the way you and your organization can support the My Own Book Program.