Books International Goodwill (B.I.G.)

Books International Goodwill (B.I.G.) (Contact: Steve Frantzich)
What does 9 million look like? If it is books laid end to end, they would stretch from Annapolis to Chicago and most of the way back. If one considers 20’ shipping containers, they would fill 600. Parole Rotary has just processed its 9 millionth book in its Books for International Goodwill Project (B.I.G.) The signature project of the Parole Club, B.I.G. is the largest volume volunteer-based book distribution initiative in the world. Recently celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary, B.I.G. has won numerous awards and been the subject of significant recognition. Over 90 regular volunteers collect, sort and package books for recipients in the U.S. and abroad. Literacy projects and schools in over forty countries have received containers of 15-20,000 books to be distributed free of charge. These “libraires in a box” are tailored to the desires of recipients and help promote literacy. Domestically, B.I.G. supports literacy projects, little free libraries, prison libraries and underserved populations. By keeping books alive, B.I.G. has saved hundreds of cubic feet of landfill where many of these books were destined to go. B.I.G. is financed by book sales and grants. The next book sale will be held from 8-2 on Saturday September 18that 451 Defense Highway. Over 70 good used books will be available for prices that range from 50 cents to $3.

For more information go to www.big-books.org, call 410 757 2785, or email 4bigbooks@gmail.com