ESTERO, Fla.- Most of the shelves at Book Warehouse in Estero were empty when WINK News stopped by early Monday, as the growing e-book trend continues to force brick and mortar shops to shut their doors.

"For every 10 books one person buys, you have 10 or 20 people buying e-reader books and that has really hurt the book market," said Book Warehouse manager Vivian Hadding.

But not everyone can afford an e-reader. In fact, not everyone can afford a book. Unless, they're donated. And that's what Book Warehouse decided to do with its excess inventory.

"Book Warehouse decided that when they closed, they decided whatever books were left, they would like to donate, and they said, Vivian, pick somebody," explain Hadding.

So Hadding chose the "K is for Kids Foundation, a local non-profit that's focused on promoting literacy in Collier and south Lee counties.

"They weren't going to let kids go empty handed. They're donating 10,000 books to children," said K is for Kids Foundation founder Karen Clawson. "It's expensive to buy books. With the economy the way it is and limited budgets, that's why it's so important to put books in kids hands."

Volunteers were busy making boxes, sorting books, and packing them up to be shipped to a donated warehouse in Naples where they will be organized for distribution

In the meantime, Hadding hopes kids can keep the passion for reading alive.

"To see the books die is like seeing a light go out."

The Book Warehouse at Miromar Outlets is one of six stores in the chain to close its doors.

The manager also cites a lack of non-seasonal sales after just one year in business.

For more information on how to support K is for Kids Foundation, click here.