Bernie's Book Bank

Today our guest was Brian Floriani, Executive Director of Bernie’s Book Bank. The Book Bank, based in Lake Forest, is an innovative new initiative to put books into the hands of children from preschool to sixth grade who would otherwise not have access to them.

Brian left his job as a golf professional to become a reading paraprofessional for Shiloh Park Elementary in Zion, Illinois. The sudden death of his father, Dr. Bernard P. Floriani - for whom Bernie’s Book Bank is named - inspired him to do something different with his life.

Bernie's Book Bank has provided books to 55,000 children across the Chicago area this year, and their goal is to expand to become a nationwide program. Book drives and cash donations are both instrumental in providing this service.