In this article, the author reminisces about the pleasure she derived from growing up in a "book-rich" home, and how that developed into a lifelong love of reading. Today, one-third of all children do not have books in their homes, and, even though they may have access to books over the Internet or at a library, the author contends that this is not enough. What are some of the reasons that she feels children need a collection of books in their home? First, ownership of books gives children a connection with them that inspires pride. In addition, the presence of books in the home means that parents will be more likely to read to their children. Finally, books inspire or nurture bonds between family members because reading can be a shared experience. The author offers suggestions as to how one can become a community book benefactor in order to provide books for children who need them, helping to create book-rich homes and, hopefully, lifelong readers.