Written by Mandi Beecroft, Mariemont Branch Manager
The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library is excited to partner once again with Volunteers of America for Operation Backpack®. This initiative, which runs from July 6 to August 10, is all about gathering and distributing backpacks and essential school supplies to local kids and teens in our community, ensuring they are prepared for a successful school year.
CHPL is committed to promoting early literacy and supporting kids and teens in their educational success. That’s why select Library branches are dedicated drop-off locations for Operation Backpack®.
In 2025, thanks to your generous donations, we collected an impressive 320 backpacks and 87 boxes of supplies. We are eager to surpass those numbers and make an even bigger impact with your help.
What You Can Donate
Teachers recommend donating the top ten most needed school supplies:
- Pencils
- Pencil pouches
- Blue or black ball point pens
- Highlighters
- Markers (8-Count)
- Erasers
- Three ring binders
- Spiral notebooks
- Folders (with pouches)
- New Backpacks
Other items to donate include:
- Notebook Paper
- Binders
- Erasers
- Rulers
- Two-Pocket Folders
- Scissors
- Crayons (24-Count)
- Pencil Sharpeners
- Deodorant
- Bar Soap
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Shampoo/Conditioner
Download the school supplies list.
You can donate school supplies and essentials at the following participating locations:
- Anderson Branch Library
- Downtown Main Library
- Green Township Branch Library
- Harrison Branch Library
- Loveland Branch Library
- Madeira Branch Library
- North Central Branch Library
- Sharonville Branch Library
- Walnut Hills Branch Library
- Westwood Branch Library
We appreciate your support in empowering kids and teens in their educational journeys.
Mandi is currently reading “A Children’s Bible” by Lydia Millet.
Add a comment to: Empowering Education: Join CHPL in Operation Backpack 2026