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About Us

Read our story and meet the team

Our Story

Benji's Book Club

When you have a baby in the hospital, they give you lots of stuff. I had my daughter, Josephine, in 2017, and I remember thinking, someone should be giving me books. Someone should be giving me books and telling me how important it is to start reading to my baby right away. That moment was the inspiration for Benji’s Book Club.

In January of 2022 I was pregnant for the second time. Unfortunately and suddenly, I developed severe preeclampsia and our baby boy had to be delivered at 25 weeks. In the NICU I wanted to read to him, but they didn’t have any books. I couldn’t hold him, but I could read to him, and he would hear my voice. I shared with the doctor how important it was for them to have books and my idea about gifting books to new parents.

I am a teacher, so I already knew that reading to my babies should begin from day one. But I also know that many families wait until their babies are 1, 2, or even 3 before they begin to think about reading together. Literacy begins at birth.

Benji’s Book Club is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy from day one. We provide a gift set of books to families who have recently given birth. Additionally, we outfit NICUs with a bin of books to have on hand for families who wish to read to their babies.

Our vision is to provide books to every NICU and every newborn baby in Idaho. How can you help? Benji’s Book Club depends entirely on generous donations from people like you. Donations are used to purchase books, tote bags, bins, and cover postage and packaging needed to get books to Idaho hospitals. We also have an Amazon wish list of board books, and we accept donations of new or like new board books suitable for babies.

Reach Out

Contact us

Benji’s Book Club, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Receipts can be provided upon request and your donation is tax-deductible.

Email US DIRECTLY

hello@benjisbookclub.org

CALL US DIRECTLY
+1 (208) 252 5469

Our team

— meet the team
Bridget Flynn

Bridget Flynn

Bridget has a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Oregon University and has been a bakery owner and is currently a teacher. She was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She enjoys reading, hiking, camping, writing, knitting, and spending time with her daughter, Josie.
Russell Ekins

Russell Ekins

Russ has a bachelor’s degree in education from Whitworth University and has worked as a teacher, in sales, hazardous waste management, and currently project management. He was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. He enjoys learning about history, camping, and spending time with his family.
Elizabeth O’Donnell

Elizabeth O’Donnell

Dr. O’Donnell completed her residency and fellowship at the University of Medicine of New Jersey (UMDNJ). She is board certified with the American Board of Pediatrics in Neonatal and Pediatric medicine.
Sean Bergsten

Sean Bergsten

Dr. Bergsten earned his Bachelor of Physiology and Developmental Biology from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, Colorado. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Bergsten was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is passionate about basketball, cooking, and spending as much time with his wife and two little girls. In his spare time he also enjoys camping, running, and working in his backyard.