Building Bookshelves, Building Futures: Hope Renovations x Book Harvest

At Book Harvest, we know that a home library is more than a collection of books—it’s a foundation for a child’s future. And every home library needs a place to grow. That’s why we were so thrilled to partner with Hope Renovations on a special project for our Book Babies families: building custom bookshelves.

In the video below, you’ll step inside the Hope Renovations workshop as their incredible trainees measure, saw, sand, and assemble bookshelves designed especially for Book Babies families. You’ll hear from the students themselves about the pride they feel in learning new skills and creating something lasting, and you’ll hear from Frida, our Book Babies Manager, about how these shelves will make an immediate difference in children’s lives.

Why Bookshelves Matter

Books need a home. A sturdy, welcoming shelf turns a pile of books into a library. It creates a visible, inviting space in a child’s home where stories live and imagination grows. For young children, having books displayed on their very own bookshelf sends a powerful message: these stories are yours, these books belong to you.

That sense of ownership is at the heart of Book Babies. By building home libraries from the very beginning, we are laying the groundwork for joyful reading, strong family bonds, and lifelong learning.

About Our Partner: Hope Renovations

Hope Renovations believes that if you can see it, you can be it. Their pre-apprenticeship training program equips underemployed women and gender-expansive folks with the skills to confidently enter the trades or pursue apprenticeships and continuing education.

Alongside training, Hope Renovations completes home repairs and modifications for adults 55+ and those living with disabilities—helping individuals remain safe and independent in their homes. These projects give trainees a chance to practice their new skills while giving back to the community in meaningful ways.

Building More Than Shelves

This partnership was about more than carpentry or literacy—it was about possibility. Hope Renovations trainees discovered new confidence and career pathways. Book Babies families gained a place to nurture their children’s growing libraries. And together, we built something that will last: futures filled with stories, skills, and hope.

👉 Watch the video: https://youtu.be/oa1Bi-7Gx-k

👉 Learn more about Hope Renovations: https://www.hoperenovations.org

👉 Learn more about Book Babies: https://bookharvest.org