The story behind BFB.
ABOUT BFB
BFB is the non-profit supported by the Book Nerd movement.
BFB creates access to books and choice for people who have historically been denied both.
We believe reading can change lives.
OUR BEGINNING
It started in a pediatric office.
Barbara Bean, MD, a pediatrician, noticed something. Too many kids were missing access to books they could call their own. She put books in her office so children could browse, choose, and take one book. Barbara believed books could do more than entertain. They could build confidence, spark curiosity, and open doors to new possibilities. That belief still guides everything BFB does.
A NEW CHAPTER
Cal Crosby took the reins in 2022.
Cal grew up surrounded by books thanks to teachers and librarians who put the right ones in his hands at the right time. Reading gave him confidence, perspective and direction.
Now Cal is leading BFB so more people can have that same opportunity.
WHAT BFB LEARNED
Access matters. Choice matters.
Its not just about getting books into people’s hands. It’s about giving them the freedom to choose the books that speak to them.
When people can browse, choose, and own a book, reading becomes personal — and the impact lasts.
Books are not equally distributed.
These barriers limit opportunity. We work to remove them.
ACCESS TO BOOKS IS NOT EQUAL
LOW INCOME
The cost of books can be out of reach.
BOOK DESERTS
Many communities have few or no places to get quality books.
TRANSPORTATION
Getting to a bookstore, library, or program isn’t always possible.
OTHER BARRIERS
Time, language, disability, systemic inequities, and more stand in the way.
BOOK NERD: THE MOVEMENT
From that belief, Book Nerd was born.
Book Nerd is the movement that grows our community — celebrating readers of all kinds and the power of reading by choice.
BFB + BOOK NERD
Different roles.
One Shared Mission.
BFB IS THE ORGANIZATION
The non-profit that creates opportunities for more people to browse, choose, own, and enjoy books. Wherever they are.
BOOK NERD IS THE MOVEMENT
The community that celebrates reading by choice and invites everyone to be a part of it.
THE STORY KEEPS GOING
BFB works to create access where books are limited, difficult to reach, or simply not available.