The New Orleans Public Library is still accepting book donations to help rebuild their collections following Katrina. Our good friend and New Orleans native Michelle has been actively collecting here in Chicago, along with the members of The Quilombo Cultural Center.
Their drive ends Wednesday, April 12 (tomorrow!). This has been a long effort over the past several weeks, but we thought we'd put the word out there for any AT Chicago readers who are looking to weed out their book collection.
(From Michelle):
Wednesday is the last day to donate your used books to a bookdrive which will raise money for the public libraries in New Orleans! Don't wait any longer - bring your used books in ANY condition to: The Quilombo Cultural Center, 1757 N. Kimball Ave. Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 227-8879. We will be trading the books, by weight, for money with a charitable company, so ALL books and magazines will help! Help reach our goal and restock our libraries!
I'm currently in New Orleans and things are green again, life is beginning to move forward. The libraries here need money, even more than books, so this is a rare opportunity to REALLY HELP OUT in a significant way. -Michelle
If you can't make the Quilombo donation in time, find out about donating your books to the NOPL system directly at the NOPL donation site.
(Thanks, Michelle!)
Well, this seems meant! I already have the books boxed up, and Wednesday is the one day week I have a car! Thanks for the tip!
This is a great cause, and I have a ton of books ready to go -- but who knows what the drop-off times are for Wednesday (or if they will be accepting books then)? The Quilombo site only lists times for today (Tuesday 7-9 p.m.) and their phone number doesn't seem to be working. ???
thanks for pointing that out, devon! there is only someone at the quilombo center when classes are going on (typically evenings), but there is a DROP BOX in the parking lot where you can leave your books at any time. you may want to seal your books in a plastic bag, though, in case of rain. (i'm not sure what type of drop box it is...)
Books can be dropped off inside the center (enter thru the rear door of the parking lot, past the doggie goods store) between 7-9pm Tues. OR anytime before Wed. 5:00pm at the garbage bin labeled "BOOK DROP" just to the left after you enter the gated parking lot. BIG thanks to anyone who can help.
Thanks for the info, gang! I'll be by to drop off a load (hee!) and will spread the word! I feel so much better giving books to a good cause than selling them for 50 cents in a yard sale!