About
Project Cicero is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with its primary goal to enhance classroom and school libraries in under-resourced New York City public schools.
Re-imagining Project Cicero for 2021
Project Cicero is busy re-imagining Project Cicero 2021. As Governor Cuomo would say, we will have to take a “pause” from our traditional bustling distribution at the Hotel Pennsylvania. That said, in accordance with social distancing guidelines and our mission, we are exploring other distribution options, including working with local organizations, seeking a safe way to get books into the hands of NYC public school students. We will keep you apprised as we adjust Project Cicero 2021.
So looking forward to our Project Cicero 2022 distribution, more wonderful than ever!
How Project Cicero works
Project Cicero collects new and gently used books for children and young adults. Primarily, Project Cicero receives books from families with children in 100+ New York City independent, public and parochial schools.
Collected books are transported to the Hotel Pennsylvania where hundreds of student, parent and teacher volunteers unpack, sort, and display the books. Qualified teachers from under-resourced schools pre-register online to attend the annual distribution.
Project Cicero encourages children to help children. Each year, hundreds of students have helped to make Project Cicero a success. Student coordinators at each of the participating schools, aided by parents and faculty, organize and advertise the collection of the books. Volunteer students can receive community service recognition for their participation.
Project Cicero operates under an all-volunteer board and without dedicated fundraising initiatives.
If your school or business would like to participate in Project Cicero, just e-mail us at info@ProjectCicero.org.
Executive Committee
Robin Easton, Susan Robbins, Jennifer Wendy, Co-Chairs
Lynn Abraham, Sabrina Allan, Stephanie Benson, Victoria Weld Bergstrom, Elizabeth Bracken, Michelle Cherande, Andrea Labov Clark, Britt Densmore, Roz Walrath, Susan Fisher, Joan Fishman, Penny Gorman, Donna Gray, Randi Levy, Ellen Hay Newman, Christy Porter, Cynthia Rothman, Mathilde Sanson, Amy Schrader, Carrie Silberman, Chang Spaide, Linda Rothenberg Stein
Laureine Greenbaum, Silda Wall – Co-Chairs Emeritus
Founders
Laureine Greenbaum, Susan Robbins, Silda Wall with Children for Children Foundation, now part of generationOn, and Fawn White.
Professional Advisory Committee
Sara Holliday, Susan Vincent Molinaro- New York Society Library
Student Co-Chairs
Abby Beckler – Horace Mann, James Bergstrom – Trinity, Cassie Clark – Dalton, Ryan Easton – Dalton, Brooks Galbraith – Dalton, Olivia Eve Gross – Avenues, Sophie Ingber – Friends, Charlie Scheuermann – St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s, Hannah Schrader – La Guardia
Major Supporters
The New York Society Library* Founded in 1754, the NYSL is the oldest Library in New York and is open to all for reading and reference with circulation by subscription. Operating under the fiscal sponsorship of the New York Society Library, Project Cicero is entitled to 501(c)(3) benefits.
Vornado Realty Trust* Vornado provides the Distribution Center as well as boxes and extensive storage facilities.
News Corp underwrites box and book transportation through a generous grant.
Food donations for our 400+ volunteers have also been generously provided by Chobani, Citarella, Fresh Direct, Starbucks and Trader Joe’s.
