Educating the World a Book at a Time: Have you heard of Better World Books?

Passionate about books, I have a tendency to spend too much time in the library or too much money on book purchases. Aside from books, I am passionate about learning. I believe in education and its ability to bring hope to people by opening their minds to a world of knowledge.  It was school and the discovery of the school library in 5th grade that saved me. And no, I’m not being over dramatic. Hadn’t it been for these two things, during those times, I could have and would have ended my life.

Needless to say, my passion for education and books are deeply rooted, so when I discovered BETTER WORLD BOOKS, something just clicked on yahoo.  It is one of the most interesting and inspiring business loan ideas I’ve ever encountered (or maybe it’s a bias towards the whole idea of buying cheap book while helping the world).

According to their website, BETTER WORLD BOOKS began as a project of three university students trying to make extra money by selling textbooks. It soon evolved into this socially-oriented organizations. In the process of selling used books they have: ” Better World Books supports book drives and collects used books and textbooks through a network of over 1,800 college campuses and partnerships with over 2,000 libraries nationwide. So far, the company has converted more than 35 million donated books into $7.5 million in funding for literacy and education. In the process, we’ve also diverted more than 13,000 tons of books from landfills.”

If you like shopping for books online, why not do so while helping improve literacy and education in the world. Also, looking through the Bargain Bin (5 books for 15USD) isn’t such a bad idea. They’ve got tons of Newberry Medal/Honor Books on there and some other great titles (i.e Harry Potter, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, The Reader).

Also, it seems they send the coolest order notification letter around. 😀

Visit: www.betterworldbooks.com. If you’re wondering if I’ve ordered anything from them, I haven’t. Though I know some who have. I am unfortunately in good need of a pause in terms of book buying.