Each March, Project Cicero invites New York City public school teachers from under-resourced schools to select books for their classrooms, completely free of charge. In one weekend, 1000 teachers take home over 150,000 new and gently used books that inspire curiosity, strengthen literacy, and bring the joy of reading to their students. Teachers build classroom and school libraries, supplement their curriculum, and sometimes give the books to their students to enjoy at home.
Project Cicero serves New York City public school teachers and librarians from schools where resources for classroom libraries are limited. Our goal is to reach as many classrooms as possible, giving teachers access to high-quality books that reflect the interests and diversity of their students.
Teachers sign up for one-hour time slots to attend our annual book drive, held each March. Registration opens February 1, 2027, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
During your session, you will have time to browse thousands of books organized by format, subject and language. Volunteers will be on-site to help out and answer questions.
Teachers may take as many books as you can carry – definitely bring a big suitcase with wheels!
Every book you select helps build your classroom library and encourages your students to read more.
Bring a large rolling suitcase, wagon or cart to carry your books home. All books are donated, and everything you take is completely free!
Once inside, you will find clearly marked sections by subject and format, from board books and picture books to High School level fiction, as well as many non-fiction subjects for all grade levels.
Books are constantly restocked throughout the weekend to ensure every teacher can choose from a fresh assortment of books.
Quantities permitting, teachers may be able to take full boxes of picture and chapter books as well.
— Ms. Hernandez, 2nd Grade Teacher
— Mr. Patel, 5th Grade Teacher
New York City public school librarians and teachers who teach in schools that qualify for Title 1 benefits. Attendance is free, all books are free. Teachers from parochial and independent schools are NOT eligible to attend Project Cicero.
There will be one-hour time slots available. Registration is required. Books are restocked for every session. There is no advantage to any time slot.
We collect gently used and new books from board books and early readers to High School level. We also receive brand new books from publishers. The distribution site is organized by book categories: Picture books, Early readers, Chapter books, High School fiction and subject tables of History/Social Studies, Reference books, World languages, Arts and STEM. Books are restocked every session, so you will find a fresh assortment of wonderful books no matter which session you attend.
The Starrett-Lehigh Building – 601 West 26th Street in Manhattan.
Street parking is often available nearby on weekends, though we cannot guarantee parking availability. Several parking garages are located in the surrounding area. We will have volunteers on hand to help load cars at the entrance. We often have extra full boxes of books we can put directly into the car for you.
Several trains and buses stop within a 5 to 10-minute walk of 601 West 26th Street. We advise Googling directions and checking the MTA website to ensure up-to-date transit information.
NO! Every time slot is a good time slot. We replenish our selection of books before each session begins. Every teacher in every session has the same opportunity to select extraordinary books.
Yes, please! We welcome and encourage teacher volunteers. Please sign up via our volunteer registration site for a volunteer time slot.
Follow us on social media to receive updates about registration, volunteer opportunities, and our upcoming distribution event.
