GLENDALE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Bernie’s Book Bank announced Wednesday, Sept. 24 that it will open a 30,000-square-foot processing center in Glendale to expand service in the Greater Milwaukee area.

The nonprofit distributes free books to children from birth through sixth grade to build in-home libraries.

According to a Wednesday press release, Bernie’s Book Bank has served Milwaukee through its Chicagoland headquarters since 2019. The new center will allow the group to reach 40,000 children annually by 2026 and 100,000 by 2027.

The Glendale facility, located at 5235 N. Ironwood Rd., is also aimed to serve as a volunteer hub. About 10,000 volunteers are expected in the first year to help prepare books for distribution.

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress as cited by Bernie's Book Bank, 73% of Milwaukee Public Schools fourth graders read below basic level. Bernie’s Book Bank aims to raise $2 million this year to expand its efforts.

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