The Book Barn: A Nonprofit Bookstore Making a Difference in New Jersey
A nonprofit bookstore in New Jersey that sells donated books to support local charities recently received a generous donation on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” The Book Barn, located in Denville, New Jersey, was featured on the June 17 episode, where manager Janis Amodeo discussed the organization's mission and impact. During the show, host Kelly Clarkson surprised Amodeo with the news that Scholastic would donate $5,000 to help the nonprofit's work.
The Book Barn is a volunteer-run secondhand bookstore that sells donated books, media, and music at discounted prices, with most books priced between $2 and $3. All proceeds from the bookstore go toward supporting other nonprofits in the community, as Amodeo explained on the show. Amodeo, a retired teacher, first discovered The Book Barn while working in education and has since taken on leadership roles within the organization.
The bookstore operates out of an old dairy farm that was once run by nuns, providing a unique historical setting for the nonprofit. Thousands of donated items are housed in the bookstore, contributed by community members and volunteers. The staff at The Book Barn are unpaid, and all funds raised are used for charitable efforts, according to Amodeo. Since becoming a 501(c)(3) organization in 2016, The Book Barn has donated $1.8 million to support those in need.
The nonprofit's mission is to connect books with new readers and strengthen the community through charitable giving. Scholastic chose to support The Book Barn because of its belief in the power of books to build and foster community, as mentioned by Clarkson during the show. To donate or volunteer with The Book Barn, visit their website.
In conclusion, The Book Barn, a nonprofit bookstore in New Jersey, received a generous donation on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” to support its mission of reselling donated books and supporting local charities. The organization, run by volunteers, operates out of a historic dairy farm and has donated $1.8 million to charitable causes since 2016. The Book Barn continues to connect books with new readers and strengthen the community through its charitable efforts.