In 1993, I was a delegate to Nicaragua with Tools for Peace. One of our invitations was to help celebrate the opening of a new library. Their community was so proud: 22 books. Anybody traveling to countries that need educational resources should look into carrying humanitarian aid.
When I saw books being discarded at QBES, I called on KAIROS. They contacted NGOs, asking if they would accept texts. One woman answered saying that a school for special needs children would appreciate donations. Yes, my husband and I went dumpster diving, and he delivered a few boxes up to the Foothold’s Therapy Centre in Courtenay. They also have a school in Nanaimo. I also sent dictionaries with a woman traveling back to Nepal.
Another lead would be sending some to Bella Bella as they lost their library in a school fire a few years ago. People teaching ESL or foreign students learning English would be grateful to have these resources. Finally, I bet there were quality photos in some books that would be great for illustration, writing, and collage work.
Ideally, there should be a place for surplus book storage, even provincially, and a coordinator to dispatch to those in need. I know it takes time and making connections. I commend the efforts already made to reuse many of the books.
Norma Emerson
Qualicum Beach
