The Book Thing, a volunteer‑run nonprofit located at 3001 Vineyard Lane in Charles Village, announced that Brian Dulay will serve as its new executive director. The position has been vacant since 2019, and Dulay began working part‑time in late June before assuming full duties.
Seasoned nonprofit leader steps in
Dulay brings nearly three decades of experience in nonprofit management and education. He spent close to ten years as executive director of the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education and seven years administering grants for low‑income students at the Maryland State Department of Education. He has also served in the Peace Corps, taught in Baltimore City public schools, and lectured at Johns Hopkins University.
Volunteer‑driven mission continues
The Book Thing’s mission is to “put unwanted books into the hands of those who want them, for free.” Volunteers sort, stamp and shelve donated books, then host public giveaway days once a month. The organization currently maintains a database of about 180 volunteers, with roughly 40 on hand during each event.
According to Dulay, the nonprofit currently holds about 80,000 books on its shelves at any time. On a typical giveaway day, up to 15,000 books may be donated and as many as 1,000 patrons walk through the doors.
More giveaway days on the horizon
While The Book Thing traditionally opens once a month, Dulay said the organization managed two open days in two of the months this year, bringing the total to 14 giveaway days for calendar year 2026. He noted that increasing the frequency of events is a primary goal for 2027, though it depends on three key elements: the volume of donated books, patron demand, and the availability of volunteers.
“If you alter any of those three pieces, we’re not sure what happens,” Dulay explained.
Community support and gratitude
The nonprofit relies heavily on donations from local supporters. In March 2026, singer‑songwriter Kelly Clarkson featured The Book Thing on her television show and announced a $1,000 contribution. Dulay emphasized that while books and most labor are provided free of charge, the organization still incurs costs for electricity, supplies and a small number of part‑time staff.
“We could not have done it without the financial support of our many donors, so we thank you for helping us grow,” the organization’s announcement read.
Volunteer leadership acknowledged
Dulay gave special credit to longtime volunteer Jessica Lawson, who has served in an undefined interim executive director role for years. “Jess is still involved and is very much onboarding me. She’s critical to our success and has been critical to my transition,” Dulay told Baltimore Fishbowl.
Feline mascot adds charm
The Book Thing’s resident cat, Eleanor, has become a beloved fixture on social media. Dulay described her as the “supervisor of all things Book Thing,” noting her habit of curling up on books and newspapers and even helping keep the warehouse clean.
With Dulay’s leadership and a dedicated volunteer base, The Book Thing aims to expand its reach, bring more books to Baltimore families, and continue fostering a love of reading across the community.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
