Book drive benefits foreign students

Students eager to return their biochemistry and microeconomics textbooks after finals have an alternative to reselling.

Project Literacy, a student-run program at the Campus Y, is coordinating a book drive benefitting the International Book Project, a nonprofit organization that gives books to schools and libraries in foreign countries.

“We want to give students an alternative to the buyback options at the Student Stores,” said sophomore Chris Clayman, co-chairman of Project Literacy.

“The return at the store is pretty miniscule. It doesn’t compare to the feeling that your books are going to someone who needs the resource.”

The International Book Project, created in 1966, compiles a database of available books that can be shipped overseas. Underdeveloped countries then request specific subjects that they need. The organization’s goal is to promote literacy while expanding global cooperation.

Since the drive began Monday, Project Literacy has collected about 15 books, but Clayman said he expects more will be donated after exams.

“Last year, through the little-known work we did, we collected about 250 books,” he said. “I hope for anywhere between 300 and 500 this year. We’re ready for anything.”

Project Literacy is accepting all types of books, from college-level textbooks to children’s books. Those that do not fit requirements for the International Book Project will be donated to local libraries and schools.

Kelly Hanner, the course materials manager at Student Stores, encourages the option of a book drive.

“If we at the store don’t need a student’s textbook for the next semester, it will become a part of that student’s personal library,” she said. “Some students might not want to keep their books, and this book drive is a great alternative.”

Hanner said the book drive won’t affect Student Stores financially. All of its profits go to scholarships and student aid.

Student Stores also will extend its hours to 8 p.m. for textbook buyback beginning Thursday until Dec. 14.

Depending on the success of this semester’s book drive, Project Literacy will decide whether to collect books during finals in the spring semester.

“Schools and libraries around the world are always itching for more books,” Clayman said.

DONATE BOOKS
Time: Today through Dec. 15
Locations: Student Union, Student Stores, Undergraduate Library, Davis Library, Campus Y
Info: www.intlbookproject.org

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.