I received the following request from author (and Endicott Studio friend) Midori Snyder last week:
“I am writing you to ask you to have a look at this post in Colleen Mondor’s Guys Lit Wire blog. They are sponsoring a very cool project to build a library in a juvenile prison in L.A. which currently has no books available for the boys. I thought it might be something you would be willing to post on Stainless Steel Droppings. The Book Fair runs two weeks.”
Unfortunately I have been without internet service since the first part of May (which is why you haven’t seen me much either here or at your blogs) and the chances for me to get online during work lunch breaks have become non-existent as the workload has been very demanding.
But it is not too late, so come with me and learn about an opportunity to get the word out, literally, to the minds and hearts of young men who desperately need the life-changing power of literature in their lives.
Colleen Mondor goes into the detail of this Book Fair project on her site, Guys Lit Wire. That link will take you directly to the post about donating books for the Book Fair.
I love Guys Lit Wire‘s mission:
“to bring great books to the attention of teenage boys. We had read the data on boys reading less, heard stories from all over the internet of boys saying they just couldn’t find good books to read and as reviewers many of us had ample evidence that more books are published aimed at teenage girls rather than boys. Our goal was to look both at new books and old and write about books we thought boys might like but could have missed.”
I also admire the fact that they are doing more than just posting about these books, they are making efforts to get books into the hands of these boys and in so doing are also promoting that unfortunately rare business, the independent bookstore. I could go into detail here about the logistics of this Book Fair but in doing so I would cheat you out of the opportunity of letting Colleen explain it to you. Please take some time to go over there now and read about this. After you’ve done that, the next paragraph will make more sense.
After reading the post for myself, I emailed Colleen and asked her the following questions:
#1 Are you making people strictly adhere to the Powell’s site? In today’s economy people may want to be noble but they also might prefer to donate something from a book site that can offer them the chance to be both generous and economical.
#2. If people have good quality books of their own that they would like to donate, is that allowed?
Colleen got right back to me with these answers:
“One of the reasons we chose Powells is because it is an indy bricks and mortar store – and while Amazon is cheaper when it comes to new books, Powells does offer the used book option which is quite reasonable. Lots of folks have bought “standard” (which means like new – as opposed to “student owned” which means a bit more banged up) used copies and I promise – those are just as cheap as Amazon (if not more so!)
We did want to support independent stores as well with this effort – and what they contribute to their communities, so that’s why we went with Powells – knowing the used books option would make it easier for folks.
As to the second question, some people are sending books from their own homes but we ask they contact Eve directly and make sure they are books the boys can use. Here’s her email: eporinchak (at) aol (dot) com and you can use it in your post. (The only reason we ask that is sometimes folks go a little far and send all kinds of books that really should have just been donated to a local thrift shop close to home.)”
If I did not anticipate all of your questions, please email Eve and/or leave a comment on Colleen’s post.
As I said, it is really late in the game, but I have little doubt that the folks at Guys Lit Wire would be willing to extend the Book Fair a bit if you are interested in donating.
Please, please, please, do not participate without reading ALL of the instructions. BUT, please, please, please do consider giving the gift of literature to these boys. It really is a gift that can sow seeds that will reap a great harvest in the lives of these young men. They certainly do not have the same access to books that everyone else has and your gift will be cherished and appreciated.
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I miss you all very much. I have many book reviews to do, other posts percolating in my brain, and the last month of Once Upon a Time III to host (and I’ve been a terrible host this year). Someone is scheduled to come out tomorrow, so hopefully I’ll have internet access for the weekend. Please know that you are all on my mind and I’ll get by your site’s when I can.
This is awesome! what a great way to help out. The costs really aren’t bad; the used books on the list are as low as 2.95. It is also heartening to see that a good number of the book requests have been fulfilled!
Thank you for posting about this, Carl! It’s such a wonderful idea.
We miss you too, but don’t worry, we understand. Sometimes life just gets in the way. And even if you haven’t been able to be around as much, you have NOT been a terrible host!
What a fantastic charity!! I think I’m going to go get a few books for the guys!
Miss you Carl, but I totally understand how busy you’ve been and the woes of down internets. And I agree with Nymeth, you have NOT been a terrible host! You’re always fantastic!
Thank you so much for posting this Carl and yes – we will certainly continue to accept books! There are at least a couple dozen still on the list that were not purchased and if anyone has a question about buying/sending books not on the list just drop a line to Eve or myself (colleenatchasingraydotcom) and we will be happy to work with you.
So far (as you can tell from reviewing our list) the response has been amazing. We will update the site as the books are received and we hear from the boys what they think (they will be submitting reviews to us) and will let you all know how things go.
Sorry to usurp your comment section – but I dont know how else to contact you.
The linky thing on the Once Upon a Time challenge page no longer lets me access the list, or post my own link 🙁
I”m talking about this page http://onceuponatimeiii.blogspot.com/
Thanks
Masha: I got an email yesterday from the person who runs the Mr. Linky software that they are having issues with their servers and some of the code and that it should hopefully be fixed soon.
Colleen: Thanks for the info, I had forgotten to mention anything about people getting books not on the list.
Chris, Nymeth: Thanks as always, I’m glad you understand. I sincerely hope my internet is up and running tonight.
Melanie: It really is an economical project that can make a huge difference.
So you’re the mystery post that’s made GLW extend the deadline – good on you! I’ve donated a few books and I’m so excited about the repsonse (triple the amount of books expected).
Glad to see a post from you! I HATE being without internet, so I think you have been more patient than me… lol
Thanks for supporting this great project, Carl. I will be there.
I know books for teen boys are a fair rarity, and wrote one!! If and when I can get it published, I will send this group a truck load.
Sorry about the internet issues. I hate that!! Happened here last month, and I had teenagers going crazy. Yikes!
What a wonderful charity!
And you are not a terrible host! You just enjoy the internetlessness while it lasts (though you are missed), you hear!
What a great post, Carl! This sounds like a wonderful charity. I’m going to log on today and see if there is something there I can afford. As many books as my son has for boys, I could probably ship them a whole box!!
I’ve missed seeing you around! It’s amazing how much we have come to rely on the internet, isn’t it? Hopefully, you have the problems fixed and we see you posting again soon!
This is wonderful, Carl. I’m heading right over to see what the extended deadline is and with luck I’ll have time to give this additional publicity as well as contributing.
Thanks, and condolences on the internet business. A couple of months ago I was traveling and landed in a place where even my fancy USB modem couldn’t get me on. I was stunned at my own reaction 😉
you’re not the only one that’s been MIA, carl! miss you too and look forward to reading your blog when you get up and running again!
It’s been awful for computers (Chris is the latest victim) and the internet, hasn’t it? You aren’t a horrible host, Carl, you do so much to promote the fantastic arts that you should get an award! Recognition! Certainly I have missed you, and am so glad you are back! Now to go check out that site….