The organization began in July 1996 and serves the greater Kansas City area, which is home to more than 100,000 illiterate adults. It was organized by Joann Harper with seed money from Southwestern Bell, her former employer. The Book Bank is completely staffed by 40 volunteers and is open six days a week year round.
Most volunteers are senior citizens or teachers.
Others include Southwestern Bell employees involved in the company's community service program, Southwestern Bell Pioneers. Books and educational materials are donated by individuals, organizations, and various corporate collection sites. The Book Bank has distributed over 33,000 books, magazines, and other educational materials to 146 agency workers who represent 88 different nonprofit agencies since it opened. Those agencies serve 612,900 people throughout the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The Heartland Book Bank is funded by grants and donations from corporations, churches, and community service organizations, as well as fundraising events.