About Us
Sidney Kluger founded our non-profit organization in 1966 in San Francisco, CA., after he observed the desperate need of public and school libraries for educational materials, especially English literature. With that simple, selfless act, Book Bank USA was born. Two years later, he donated money to the City of Jerusalem to purchase a bookmobile.
Our Mission
TIKKUN OLAM (Hebrew for world repair) has been the center of our mission for over 50 years. Founded initially as a way to establish and resupply public and school libraries, Book Bank USA has also helped victims of natural disasters in the USA and Mexico, vulnerable populations, and supported cultural events and educational materials that bring balance to the human soul.
Worldwide Support
We’ve donated tools, books, and toys to help children affected by Tsunami Relief, by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, to more recent efforts in Haiti after their devastating earthquake in 2010 and the recent deadly Mexico City earthquakes in September 2017. We’re also an important support for The Mexican Museum’s current and new facilities operating in SFO.
Food Security & Positive Bonds Between Abandoned Children & Elders
Book Bank USA proudly supports OLAKAC, a Mexican non-profit which focuses on the most vulnerable populations in Mexico City: low-income elders, abandoned/abused children and women. Watch their latest video with results after the second year of working with their project “Germinating Ties”, which has installed two orchards in retirement homes in Mexico City to serve as both a clean food resource and weekly activity for the elders, as well as a biweekly classroom for workshops that they share with children from foster homes with which they have formed caring, healthy relationships that help heal the abandonment wound.
Featured Projects
Here are this trimester’s featured projects. We support many more projects and will showcase different ones each trimester. You can also see the full list of the projects we’re currently supporting.
Save the Turtles
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30%
GERMINATING TIES 2020
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32%
REFORESTATION IN SOUTH AMERICA
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2%
Testimonials
“Book Bank USA understands the importance of art, culture and identity. In this sense, the Mexican and Latino Communities in the Bay Area have found in Book Bank USA a non-profit organization engaged with the creation of more spaces, events and initiatives that present the richness and cultural contributions of our communities in the United States.”
“Hawaii is indebted to Book Bank USA. Their vision and diligence have afforded our keiki and kupuna unique educational opportunities through access to a multitude of books.”
“The cultural diversity of Mexico is endless, as well as the possibilities and formats for it to be displayed and presented in the Bay Area. As Consul for Cultural Affairs, having an organization such as Book Bank USA as a partner has been essential for the production, promotion and development of activities that showcase Mexico’s cultural creativity.”
“Thanks to the sponsorship of Bookbank USA, we have been able to produce two bilingual books for English-Spanish speaking children to enrich their education, as well as sponsor many life-improving programs for the vulnerable populations in Mexico City.”