In December and the holiday season, particularly, our thoughts turn to gifts and giving. However at the Book Project we are always thinking about giving. Throughout the year we debate to which of the many countries that have requested books for their schools and libraries, we will be able to send the huge gift of 30,000 books.
Throughout the year we are also thinking about who will give us the books that are needed for the shipments, and we seek out schools and school systems, encourage individuals and persuade everyone we meet to give us books.
I believe books should be donated where possible. Unfortunately many donors see organizations that collect books as a convenient place to deposit their unwanted volumes. Like the email we received here, “I am in desperate need to get it out of my home within a couple of days, I need to prepare the home for my daycare. Could someone come and collect?”
It is important to ensure the right kinds of books reach the intended audience, especially where books are sent overseas. Despite our handout titled “Book Needs” telling our donors what kinds of books are needed by children in developing countries, we receive books that are in poor condition and/or are inappropriate for the intended audience. And sometimes we get anything but books.
Below are some examples of “gifts” to the Book Project.
- Lady Chatterley’s Lover in a brown paper cover with the title Macbeth
- A Playboy magazine where the nude centerfold was wearing a hijab
- A book of modern shoes featuring stilettos
- A wedding album
- Outdated currency bills
- 24 bottles of squishy science specimens
- A boomerang!
In this season of giving, we hope you all receive the gifts you wish for. Please remember the Book Project and the gifts we do need to give to children yearning to learn.
Please pay careful attention to our “Book Needs” before you bring us books.