The Global Book Exchange Sends 20,000 Books to Tanzania

The Global Book Exchange, a San Rafael-based nonprofit, has completed collecting, organizing, and packing 20,000 books for shipment to Tanzania. The shipment consists of 20 pallets totaling approximately 1,000 boxes of books. The free age-appropriate books will be distributed to 36 schools and orphanages throughout Tanzania in a partnership between The Global Book Exchange, Novato and Tiburon Rotary clubs, and six Tanzanian Rotary clubs.

“This was an immense, all-volunteer effort,” stated Marilyn Nemzer, executive director. “We’re exhausted but smiling, knowing these books will bring great joy and raise the literacy levels of many underserved children in Tanzania.”

During its 30-year history, The Global Book Exchange has provided over 1 million free books worldwide. “While such international book donations have been a significant part of our all-volunteer program, we are equally focused on providing free books to Marin’s most under-resourced students,” stated Nemzer. Throughout the school year, literary field trips underwritten by The Global Book Exchange and its partners bring students from Marin Title I schools to its library/warehouse in San Rafael. Each student can select ten free books of their choice to take home. “Some of these children have never had their own books,” stated Nemzer. “The field trips are a remarkable experience for the students, their teachers, families, and our volunteers.”

The Global Book Exchange also provides Marin teachers with resources for activities and techniques for teaching certain subjects or students with unique needs.

For more information about The Global Book Exchange, visit bookexchangemarin.org or call 415-450-0692.