In honor of Harvard University’s original benefactor and namesake’s 400th birthday, a group of students, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the University’s Office of Community Affairs are collaborating to kick off the John Harvard Book Project.

Few names are as universally known as Harvard, yet little is known about the actual man, John Harvard. What is known is that the donation of his personal library of some 400 books to an upstart college helped lay the foundation for Harvard University and the largest academic library in the world.

The John Harvard Book Project shares the gift of books and learning with schools and libraries in Cambridge and Boston. By making a donation, Harvard students, faculty, staff and alumni will provide new books carefully selected by teachers and librarians for elementary and middle schools and the children’s room of the Honan Library in Allston. In February college students will deliver the new titles that will boost literacy and learning to local schools and libraries!

How to donate

Donating is easy! You can make your contribution online using Crimson Cash or write a check. Please click on one of the following options.

Harvard University President Drew Faust celebrates John Harvard’s 400th birthday at the Murr Center at Harvard University on Saturday, October 20, 2007. Staff Photo by Rose Lincoln/Harvard News Office

Contact us at 617-495-4955 or community@harvard.edu