# Bernies Book Bank

Youth development programs nonprofit in Lake Bluff, Illinois 60044. EIN 27-0914453. Data as of November 8, 2026.

Page: https://backpr.com/find/nonprofit/270914453-bernies-book-bank

## Mission (the organization's own words)

> Bernie's book bank is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 that provides free quality books for children, ages birth through sixth grade, to build personal libraries. Bernie's book bank sources, processes, and distributes eight books annually to children at title 1 schools and early childhood programs. Since 2009 bernie's book bank has distributed over 29 million free children's books.

Source: Form 990, year ending Dec 2025: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/270914453/202602249349301440/full

## IRS facts

- Type: Youth development programs (IRS activity code O50)
- Tax status: 501(c)(3), contributions deductible, recognized 2010
- Source: IRS Business Master File, posted October 13, 2026: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/exempt-organizations-business-master-file-extract-eo-bmf

## Finances (IRS Form 990 e-file data)

| Year ending | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Net assets | Employees | Volunteers | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | $9,463,630 | $6,013,621 | $13,065,331 | $8,998,077 | 37 | 25,963 | [Form 990](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/270914453/202602249349301440/full) |

Expense split, year ending Dec 2025: programs $4,605,653 (77%), management $670,240 (11%), fundraising $737,728 (12%).

Revenue sources, year ending Dec 2025: gifts and grants $9,051,513, program fees $0, investment income $79,132.

## How it compares

- Revenue rank: 1 of 3 youth development nonprofits in Lake Bluff.
- Revenue $9,463,630 is in the top 10% of 505 youth development nonprofits in Illinois; median $157,728.
- Source: IRS Business Master File, posted October 13, 2026; BackPR analysis.

## Local context

- Lake County, Illinois: about 162,161 children under 18 (U.S. Census Bureau, July 1, 2024): https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/datasets/2020-2024/counties/asrh/cc-est2024-agesex-all.csv
- 292 youth and community nonprofits in this directory in the county: 1.8 per 1,000 children.
- Licensed programs in Lake Bluff: 2 licensed child care centers: https://backpr.com/find/illinois/lake-bluff
- Illinois rules: https://backpr.com/resources/states/illinois

## Questions

**What is Bernies Book Bank's EIN?**

Bernies Book Bank's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 27-0914453. It is the nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify the organization. Source: IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File posted October 13, 2026.

**Is Bernies Book Bank a nonprofit?**

Yes. The IRS lists Bernies Book Bank in Lake Bluff, Illinois as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3), recognized since 2010. This is from the IRS Business Master File posted October 13, 2026. Status can change, so check its current status on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search before you donate.

**Are donations to Bernies Book Bank tax-deductible?**

Yes, the IRS lists gifts to Bernies Book Bank as tax-deductible (IRS Business Master File posted October 13, 2026). How much you can deduct depends on your own taxes, and this is not tax advice. Check its current status on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search before you donate.

**What does Bernies Book Bank do?**

In its own words on its Form 990 for the year ending Dec 2025: "Bernie's book bank is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 that provides free quality books for children, ages birth through sixth grade, to build personal libraries. Bernie's book bank sources, processes, and distributes eight books annually to children at title 1 schools and early childhood programs. Since 2009 bernie's book bank has distributed over 29 million free children's books." The IRS classifies it as: Youth development programs.

**How much money does Bernies Book Bank take in?**

For the year ending Dec 2025, Bernies Book Bank reported total revenue of $9,463,630 and total expenses of $6,013,621 on its Form 990 (IRS Form 990 e-file data).

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Data as of November 8, 2026. Sources: IRS Business Master File, IRS Form 990 series e-file data, U.S. Census Bureau. No officer or staff names are published.