The effort is growing.
Nazareth’s book drive, started by Sister Carol McKean, continues to expand as Sisters, Associates, employees, and friends respond with care for children and families across the region.
What began last August with a simple invitation for employees to bring children’s books has grown into a wider community effort. After reaching an initial goal of more than 1,000 books, the drive has surpassed 2,000, with donations still arriving and books quickly shared through the Bread for Life Community Food Pantry in Bardstown.
Rooted in the spirit of Nazareth
Sister Carol helped begin the effort, but she points to the broader community that has carried it forward.
“It’s not my project,” she said. “It’s our project.”
That shared spirit is visible in the many ways people have responded. Employees, local families, classrooms, and friends have organized book collections after learning about the need.
A kindergarten class at St. Joseph in Bardstown, KY, welcomed Sister Carol and donated more than 200 books. Others have gathered books through workplaces and personal networks, adding to the growing number.
The book drive has also reconnected Sister Carol with high school classmates, who reached out after seeing the original story. Some organized book collections, joining the effort from their own communities.
The response reflects the strength of community at Nazareth, where simple acts become shared mission.
Bread for Life Food Pantry
At Bread for Life, books are offered alongside groceries in a setting that respects choice and dignity. Families select books just as they would food, choosing what fits their needs and interests.
Children often find stories they recognize or topics they love. Adults select books to bring home to children and relatives.
“They’ll say, ‘This is my daughter’s favorite,’ or ‘I’ll take this for my niece,’” Sister Carol said.
For some children, this is the first book they have ever owned. In a place focused on meeting basic needs, the presence of books affirms that learning and imagination matter.
Continuing the work
Nazareth’s book drive remains open. Sister Carol and those involved are willing to continue beyond the original goal as long as there is both need and a desire from others to give.
Nazareth’s book drive shares a common goal with programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, placing books in the hands of children and encouraging a love of reading. Nazareth’s approach works through local connection. Families choose books during pantry visits, creating a personal moment.
The pantry continues to welcome books, noting that they are quickly taken and can also be shared with other groups if more are received.
Those who wish to participate are invited to donate new or gently used children’s books, especially board books, picture books, and early readers.
Books may be dropped off at the O’Connell Hall front desk, in Nazareth, Kentucky, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please label donations with Sister Carol McKean’s name. Employees may also bring books to the same location.