East Side vs. West Side Book Drive Challenge
July 1 – 31, 2026
The West Side took its second consecutive win in 2025, edging out the competition by just 3,000 books.
And now the East Side is looking to take back the trophy they won in 2023, year 1 of the competition!
We’re harnessing the collective power of our city and the age-old east side/west side rivalry to see which side of town can donate the most books July 1-August 1, 2026!
“Rules” of the Challenge
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Donations will be tallied weekly and progress posted on this page.
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ALL book donations will be counted. Donate at one of our 23 outdoor collection bins or at our warehouse.
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Run a book drive and bring us the books (hint: book drives yield big numbers for your side!)
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Winning side gets bragging rights for the year, including a custom trophy on display at our warehouse throughout the year.
Where to Donate Books
Donate at one of our outdoor collection bins or various businesses participating as book collection sites.
Don’t have books but would like to participate?
Every $1 donated = 1 book added to your side’s tally!
Make a donation and note “east” or “west” in the comments for your side to get credit.
Be a Champion for Your Side of Town
- Run a book drive at work, school, or in your neighborhood.
- Host a bin to collect books at your business. Email us to request one.
- Tell friends about the Book Drive Challenge and encourage them to donate.
- Don’t have books but would like to participate? Make a donation and note “east” or “west” in the comments. For every $1 donated, one book will be added to your side’s tally.
- Pictures, pictures, pictures! Show us your donation pile, your book drive team, or tell us where you’re donating – tag us on social media @kidsbookbank and #eastvswestbookdrive.
Why We Need Your Books
- 70% of our books come from community donations.
- Books donated locally are better quality and newer titles than those we get in bulk from online used book sellers.
- Your donated books stay right here in our community, going to kids who will love to own them.
- Community donations help us keep books and delivery free for our partners.
- The Kids’ Book Bank distributes an average of 50,000 books every month in Greater Cleveland.
Don’t have books but would like to participate?
Make a donation and note “east” or “west” in the comments. For every $1 donated, one book will be added to your side’s tally!