At an event at Artemus Ward Elementary School in the Brooklyn neighborhood yesterday, Wednesday, Dec. 3, the Cleveland Cavaliers launched the Cavs Book Bus, presented by KeyBank in partnership with the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank.

The event transformed a normal Wednesday school day into a celebration of reading with an immersive book fair experience that surprised students as the Cavs Book Bus arrived on campus.

The Cleveland Kids' Book Bank partnered with the Cavaliers and KeyBank in powering the Cavs Book Bus.“Education has always been a core focus of our community platform at the Cleveland Cavaliers, as we recognize the transformative impact literacy can have on a child’s future,” said Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Rocket Arena, at the event. “Our partnership with KeyBank and the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank is a powerful extension of our dedication to youth, learning and equity in Northeast Ohio.”

Adding that the program supports a more equitable learning environment, Barlage says the initiative is meant to ensure every child in Cleveland has books in the home, “Sparking a love for reading, inspiring dreams, and empowering success—both inside and outside the classroom.”

The Cavs Book Bus is meant to narrow literacy gaps in Cleveland by making sure students in under-resourced neighborhoods have access to books in their own home. The mobile program visits local schools and various community activities each year, when students can choose free books to grow their personal home libraries.

In partnership with the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, distributed books will continue to foster literacy and a passion for reading at no cost to children who pass through the bus, the organizers say.

The Cavvs Book Bus logo.“Watching a child step onto the Cavs Book Bus and find a book that feels like it was meant just for them—that’s the magic that fuels our work,” says Natalie Friedl, Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank executive director, who praised the partnership. “Every book a child chooses builds confidence, joy, and possibility, and helps grow a home library that reflects who they are.”

The launch event at Artemus Ward featured special appearances from the Cavs mascot Sir CC and the entertainment teams.

As second and third grade students explored the Book Bus and chose their books, Barlage, Friedl, and KeyBank chief marketing officer Patty Jurca emphasized the importance of collaborating to support youth literacy and educational opportunities in Northeast Ohio.

“KeyBank is deeply committed to strengthening the communities we serve, and education is a cornerstone of that commitment because it creates pathways to opportunity and long-term success,” said Jurca. "By partnering on the Cavs Book Bus, we hope to close literacy gaps and ensure students have access to the resources they need to thrive. When children have the tools to learn and grow, the entire community benefits.”

The event also recognized Valley Ford Truck Inc. for donating the 2026 Ford F-250 Truck that powers the Cavaliers Book Bus, enabling the mobile literacy initiative to reach schools and neighborhoods throughout Northeast Ohio.

Valley Ford’s support allows the program to expand its reach to give even more children the chance to experience the joy of reading and the transformative power of stories.

The Cavs Book Bus will also be used for book collection and drop-off throughout Cleveland, marking the gift as Valley Ford’s largest philanthropic contribution to date.