The book collection for teens at Dover Area Community Library has expanded thanks to a $2,500 literacy grant from global bookseller, Better World Books. The funds enabled the library to add over 250 books to its collection for teens, along with 40 new titles for elementary school age members. The new teen fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, and Manga are on the shelves now and available to browse and check out. Members can also borrow them from anywhere in York County by placing a hold through the catalog.
The Power of the Book
“These projects are critical in making a difference in people’s lives. Every day, we see the power of the book,” says Martin Mullin, Senior Director of Global Sales for Better World Books. “We now know more than ever how books continue to have a sustained positive impact in our lives, and that has been absolutely reaffirmed through the pandemic.”
Forming a Deeper Community Connection
Better World Books wanted to make a deeper connection in the communities where their employees live, shop, and read. So, last year, the company altered its annual grant process and asked employees at their four locations to nominate organizations that make a difference in literacy.
Elly Santiago, who nominated the Dover Area Community Library, shared, “I nominated the Dover Area Community Library because it is a small library in my community that struggled when the pandemic began. Even through the pandemic, they managed to organize used book sales and reach out to readers in the community to make sure they had books to help them through the quarantine. When I saw the opportunity for the grant, I thought they were a perfect choice.”
Better World Books has been operating in York since 2018. In addition to their donation to Dover, employees also awarded an additional $2,500 to support collections at Martin Library and York County Libraries.
According to York County Libraries Development Director Janine Pflaum, materials purchased through these funds are also available for loan countywide. Teens can request the titles they want to pick up at their local library.
Growing Opportunities for Teens
“Community members have asked for more programs and resources specifically for teens,” says York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert. “While we are actively creating welcoming spaces for teens at our libraries, Better World Books’ support is playing a valuable role in adding physical collections for our youth to enjoy countywide.”
More About Better World Books
Better World Books is a for-profit, socially conscious business and a global online bookseller that collects and sells new and used books online, matching each purchase with a book donation. Each sale generates funds for literacy and education initiatives in the U.S., the UK, and around the world. Since its launch in 2003, Better World Books has raised more than $33 million for libraries and literacy, donated over 32 million books, and reused or recycled more than 394 million books. The awarded grants were made possible by the Better World Books General Literacy Fund that underwrites the donation initiatives of Better World Books.