Rebirthing Books

Spread the wonders and joy of reading to others while conserving woodlands and other resources and keeping books out of landfills by donating them. As printed books are in process to be replaced by eBooks, we still need them to teach children to read and enjoy reading. We are the nation of reading, knowing, and learning.

Consider the novelty of re-gifting books. With the big holiday season approaching, parents can bestow a Shakespeare play or Mark Twain tale that meant so much to them decades ago to their kids - including a card explaining its poignancy and significance. The gesture can even spark greater interest in reading.

• Many public libraries are support by community volunteer "friends of" organizations that sell donated books at deep discounts to the public. Funds raised help underwrite host library programming.

• Along with selling new and used books online, including BetterWorldBooks.com accepts book donations that support national and global literacy initiatives, including in Latin America and Africa. They recently forwarded 37,000 donated books to UK teachers and other educators, and also operate a senior outreach program.

• Local chapters of national organizations like Girl Scouts, Kiwanis International, Rotary International and General Federation of Women's Clubs frequently collect gently used children's books.

• Other donations sites include The Salvation Army, Goodwill, thrift shops and used and antique bookstores.

• BooksForSoldiers.com lists specific titles military members are requested. BooksForAfrica.org has shipped 41 million books to Africa's 54 countries. BooksThroughBars.org supply prison libraries, while BooksToPrisoners.net links donated books by the public to requests.

• Include unwanted books when planning a yard sale.