Books for Africa Drive Under Way
December 05, 2007 - Campus Bulletin
Students are invited to donate their used texbooks to the "Books for Africa" drive running until Dec. 15.
The book drive collects textbooks published within the last five years and other used books to help supply libraries and schools in Africa.
"It's a great way for students to make a difference in developing areas where they don't have all the textbooks and supplies that we have," said Ana Perkovic, campus co-ordinator of the book drive. "Last year we stocked more than a dozen libraries. If we all work together, it's amazing the impact we can have."
Drop-off boxes are located in the University Centre, the Co-op Bookstore, and the science complex and at the entrance to the Reynolds Building.
In partnership with U.S.-based agency Better World Books, the book drive is held during the exam period in the fall and winter semesters.
Any books collected that aren't suitable for the African schools are sold online to help cover the costs of packaging and shipping the books overseas.
During the last drive, the University community donated 1,042 books to send to libraries, schools and literacy programs in Africa, and another 1,538 books were sold online.
According to Better World Books, 100 qualifying books donated can fund the shipment of 400 books, enough for an entire classroom in Africa. A thousand books collected translates into a shipment of 4,000 books, which provides enough material for four school libraries.
For more details or to inquire about making large donations, contact Perkovic at aperkovi@uoguelph.ca.
