Barkley’s Bookshelf Celebrates Four Years of Inspiring Young Readers Across Cypress and Northwest Houston
In a community where education and opportunity are deeply valued, one Cypress-based nonprofit is quietly helping thousands of local children discover the power of reading.
Barkley’s Bookshelf, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in Cypress, Texas, is celebrating its fourth anniversary after four years of bringing books directly to young readers across Northwest Houston. Since launching on March 14, 2022, the organization has focused on a simple but powerful goal: making sure children who may not have books at home can experience the joy of owning their own.
That mission has already produced remarkable results. In just four years, Barkley’s Bookshelf has distributed more than 25,000 free books and helped more than 13,200 children become book owners, reaching students throughout Cypress, the Cy-Fair area, and surrounding communities.
For many families, the effort means children have access to stories, knowledge, and imagination that might otherwise be out of reach.
“Because of the generosity and support of the community, Barkley’s Bookshelf has expanded our distribution models and reached more students every year,” said Brenda Polivka, founder of Barkley’s Bookshelf. “On behalf of the team at Barkley’s Bookshelf, thank you for your belief in our work. We continue towards our Vision: Every child is a reader, and every child is a book owner.”
A Cypress Nonprofit Built Around the Power of Book Ownership
Barkley’s Bookshelf was created with a clear understanding that literacy begins with access. Research consistently shows that children who grow up surrounded by books are more likely to develop strong reading habits and succeed academically.
Founder Brenda Polivka brought more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience in the greater Houston area to the organization. A Texas A&M University journalism graduate who also holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from LSU-Shreveport, Polivka has long focused her work on initiatives that enrich children’s lives.
Today, Barkley’s Bookshelf operates with a dedicated board of directors, advisory members, and young ambassadors who share a passion for literacy. Board Secretary Laura den Boer, a retired Cypress-Fairbanks ISD educator with 36 years in education, brings deep classroom experience to the mission. Treasurer Julie Starling contributes more than three decades of global corporate experience, while Operations and Technology Director Lorraine Gray and Strategic Communications Director Carrie Pickell help guide the organization’s growth and outreach.
Together, the leadership team and volunteers have built a model that meets children where they are — whether at school, through community organizations, or even by mail.
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Programs That Deliver Books Directly to Children
Instead of expecting families to seek out resources, Barkley’s Bookshelf partners with schools and nonprofits to deliver books directly to children through several programs.
One of the organization’s most visible initiatives is its free book fairs, where volunteers curate collections by age and genre and invite students to choose books they can keep forever. These fairs often take place at Title I schools and partner organizations such as the Cy-Hope's Hope Centers, Boys & Girls Country, and Cy-Fair Helping Hands.
Other partners may not have the space or resources to host events, which led to the creation of the Book Bundles and Bookshelf programs. These initiatives provide age-appropriate collections of books to nonprofit partners who distribute them to children they serve. Through this program, Barkley’s Bookshelf delivers book bundles to Gracewood and maintains stocked shelves at the PTSD Foundation of America’s Camp Hope, offering reading materials for families staying there.
During the summer months, the organization works to prevent what educators often call the “summer slide,” when students lose reading progress while school is out. Through its Summer Reading Program, participating students select five books from a curated list of popular titles, including bilingual options. Each child receives the books by mail along with a tote bag and bookmark — giving them their own reading library for the break.
Measuring Impact Across Northwest Houston
The organization’s growth has accelerated each year as community awareness has expanded.
According to Barkley’s Bookshelf’s 2025 impact report, the nonprofit distributed 11,076 books in 2025 alone, reaching 6,613 students in grades PK–12. Volunteers contributed 806 hours of service, helping manage book collections, organize fairs, and deliver materials to partner organizations.
The organization also reflects strong community backing. Approximately 58 percent of funding comes from private and corporate donations, while 42 percent comes through grants — a balance that allows Barkley’s Bookshelf to continue expanding its reach.
Since its founding in 2022, the organization has distributed more than 24,500 books, with that number continuing to grow as new partnerships form.
The group’s commitment to transparency and accountability has also earned it a Platinum badge from Candid, recognizing the nonprofit’s reporting standards and accountability to donors, grantmakers, and the community.
Literacy Efforts Continue to Grow in Cy-Fair and Beyond
Barkley’s Bookshelf’s annual Reading Is Believing Campaign fundraiser has also helped fuel its expansion. Funds raised through the campaign support free book fairs at local Title I schools, ensuring students have access to books without cost barriers.
For many children, these events represent the first time they’ve been able to choose books of their own.
The organization’s approach—combining school partnerships, community organizations, volunteers, and donors—has created a growing literacy network across Northwest Houston. And as the region continues to expand, so does the need for programs that ensure every child has access to reading materials.
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Upcoming Barkley’s Bookshelf Events in 2026
Barkley’s Bookshelf has several upcoming programs scheduled throughout the Cypress and Cy-Fair area in the coming months.
- April 1–30, 2026: Summer Reading Program registration at Cy-Fair Helping Hands and the Hope Centers
- April 28–29, 2026: Owens Elementary (CFISD) Book Fair — Houston, Texas
- May 4 & 6, 2026: Lieder Elementary (CFISD) Book Fair — Houston, Texas
- May 12–13, 2026: Sheridan Elementary (CFISD) Book Fair — Katy, Texas
- May 19, 2026: Gleason Elementary (CFISD) Book Fair — Houston, Texas
These events allow students across the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District and nearby communities to select books and take them home to build their own personal libraries.
How the Community Can Support Barkley’s Bookshelf
Barkley’s Bookshelf continues to grow thanks to a supportive community that believes in the power of reading, with many ways for local residents, families, and organizations to get involved and help expand opportunities for children to discover books of their own.
Volunteer Opportunities
Residents who are passionate about children’s literacy can help through volunteer opportunities that include organizing books, assisting at book fairs, preparing book bundles, and helping with fundraising events. Community members interested in volunteering can contact the organization directly at info@BarkleysBookshelf.org.
Financial Donations
Barkley’s Bookshelf is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donations can be made online or by mail. Learn more at barkleysbookshelf.org/donate.
As Barkley’s Bookshelf enters its fifth year, the organization continues working toward a future where every child in Northwest Houston has access to books and the opportunity to fall in love with reading.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more stories that highlight the people, partnerships, and local efforts that help strengthen the Cypress and Cy-Fair communities.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.