About the
World Book Bank

2,354,747 +

BOOKS DONATED

2250 +

ORGANIZATIONS SERVED

Our Story

How We Got Started

Tom Pace, at the age of 26, read at the 4th grade level. Someone at the time gave him a book, and reading that book changed his entire life. One of the books that has had a big influence in Tom’s life is The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren. After reading it, he began buying copies with his own money and handing them out at the Oklahoma County Jail. He was able to see firsthand the positive impact the book was having in the lives of readers. Over time, Mr. Pace expanded both the number of books he was buying and the number of facilities that were receiving them. World Book Bank was incorporated in 2013, and received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status from the IRS in 2014.

Where We Are Now

In 2023 World Book Bank donated 270,377 books to organizations throughout the United States. Our goal for 2024 is to exceed that number as funding allows. We’re gaining momentum as more sponsoring organizations are becoming familiar with the work that we do and the lives that are changing for the better. We continue to believe that we offer one of the most cost-effective means of initiating lasting positive changes in the lives of those seeking it. Check out some of our Letters From Readers and see our results for yourself!

World Book Bank is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people build better lives through its reading program. The majority of our readers are among the 2.2 million people imprisoned in the United States at any given time. We have by far the highest incarceration rate in the world, and historically, over half of those released from prison are re-arrested again within three years. It’s been shown in repeated studies that those participating in reading programs while incarcerated are significantly less likely to be re-arrested when released. The books donated by World Book Bank provide people with hope that success in life is available to everyone, regardless of the past. Readers are empowered with tools that can change their lives forever.

Our Current Offering

When people in jails and prisons engage in our reading program, everyone wins!

Being locked up is a miserable place to be. The remorse, shame, and loneliness can be crippling. Books are scarce and in poor condition. It’s no wonder that so many return after being released…..Nothing changes if nothing changes.


Our books can turn this period of time into one of quiet reflection. Readers can use this time to formulate positive changes in their lives. Changes that will keep them from ever having to go back again. Changes that will make them better parents, employees, and citizens!

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Building Trust With Our Donors

download our 2022 990 Document

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