Our History

The Bridge of Books Foundation was established in 2000 by San Francisco attorney Tricia McCarthy. She became aware of how dire the need was for children in underserved areas of San Francisco to have books to call their own, how crucial it was to their future success.  The aim of the organization – bring the world and all its possibilities to children through books.

In late 2002, former New Jersey attorney, Abby Daly, learned about the Bridge of Books Foundation through Ellen McNamara, Tricia’s aunt.   Abby had spent many years pursuing children’s right cases, first for the Office of the Public Defender and then for the Office of the Attorney General.   Abby knew that she wanted to remain involved in the community and to continue working with organizations serving children.  Always passionate about reading and knowing how crucial literacy is for all children, Abby started the NJ chapter of the Bridge of Books Foundation in 2003.

The San Francisco organization ceased operations in late 2004, leaving New Jersey to assume the mantle and carry on the mission. Since 2005, operating primarily as an all-volunteer organization, the Bridge of Books Foundation has facilitated the distribution of over a half million books to underserved children across New Jersey, both directly and through the agencies that serve them.

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