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Experience The Joy Of Giving Back
Get Involved > Volunteer Abroad Houston
Volunteer Abroad Program
Join Books for Development's Volunteer Abroad Program to make a meaningful impact while immersing yourself in diverse cultures and communities worldwide.
Participate in promoting education and literacy through library setup initiatives. Connect with local communities, forge lasting friendships, and witness the transformative power of books.
Stay informed about upcoming volunteer opportunities and destinations by signing up for our volunteer abroad updates. We also welcome any recommendations on places to support.
Embark On A Journey!
How To Get Involved
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When and where do I drop off book donations?Donations of gently-used books can be dropped off at sorting warehouse in Houston on Saturdays from 9am-Noon. Click here for directions.
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What do you do with books that you can't send?For books that we can't send, we nonetheless make a real effort to find a “good home” for any wholesome books. To that end, we work with other local literacy groups, charter schools, jails, and Spanish speaking groups, to avoid ever throwing away books that we think can help to improve anyone’s life.
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Do the people you provide books to speak and read English?Yes, English is widely, but not exclusively, spoken in the countries we work in. For example, in Uganda, while English is the official language, the constitution recognizes 56 tribes and nine indigenous communities.
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Can I donate books that are not in English?Yes, we gladly accept book donations that are not in English. Books in native languages of various African & Spanish-speaking countries are highly valuable as they enable readers to engage with literature and educational resources in their own language.
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Are there any specific criteria for the condition of the donated books?We appreciate book donations in good condition; free of excessive damage, minimal or no notes/markings, and intact pages.
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Where can I get more information on book boxes?Please download our mobile library book box information sheet. This gives you all of the details needed to put together your own book box that can circulate to various districts throughout Africa.
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What kind of books are you looking for?Generally, we are looking for any kind of wholesome books, both fiction and non-fiction. We routinely have difficulty finding enough books on Soccer, Philosophy, English Language, primary or secondary mathematics, so we especially appreciate those subjects. See our Printable Book List. We have a very limited need for Cookbooks, books on regional or local history, books regarding American culture, books regarding American politics or books focused on problems or issues unique to wealthy countries or people. Similarly, books on technical subjects that are very dated are not useful.
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Do you accept magazines?The only magazines that we accept are National Geographic.
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Where can I donate books if I don't live in the Houston area?If you're not in Houston and want to donate your used books, consider checking out the Local Book Donations website. They can help you find convenient drop-off locations in your city to support the cause. Happy book sharing! 🌍📖
Get Involved Today!
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