Every year, countless numbers of books are thrown away by individuals who have no more use for them. Many of these books eventually end up in landfills. “I hate throwing these books away, but there is just no reliable way to get them to a good cause,” one student said according to Campus Community Outreach.

Several organizations are hoping to reduce the number of books thrown away, while at the same time donating unwanted books to people in need. UNCW is currently participating in a program known as “Books for Africa.” The goal of this program is to close the literacy gap that is found in some African countries. In these countries, many people do not have access to books. Books for Africa is seeking to reform this reality by collecting and redistributing unwanted books that are donated to the organization.

These books are given to people in Africa who are in need of literary sources. Since its creation in 1988, Books for Africa has delivered almost 10 million books to over 20 African countries. Last year, the organization delivered over one million books to African countries. These books were valued at over $18 million. Books for Africa is the largest donator of academic literature to the African continent. According to the organization, it only costs about 30 U.S. cents to ship one book from the United States to Africa. UNCW hopes to collect at least 12,000 books to donate to the Books for Africa program. “I think that it’s a wonderful idea to help those who are less fortunate,” former UNCW student Denise Gerald said. Drop off boxes can be found at the University Union, Randall Library, the UNCW bookstore, Cameron Hall, and Leutze Hall.

For more information, visit www.booksforafrica.org and www.campuscommunityoutreach.com.