–Libraries solve problem of surplus books through partnership with Better World Books, an environmentally-minded, for-profit social enterprise whose online bookstore funds libraries, literacy, and education across the globe.

Chicago, Illinois (22 – 27 June 2017)— A new guest will appear at this year’s American Library Association (ALA) conference: Wordsworth, the Mishawaka, Indiana-based Bookmobile owned and operated by Better World Books, a global bookseller and social advocate for literacy and sustainability.

Wordsworth was invited by the ALA to represent a recent development, the Better World Books Cares initiative, in which all 4000+ library partners play a role. “We believe in the power of knowledge”, reads the company’s mantra: “Our goal is to help those who supply it and share it with those who crave it.”

Discovered at a library auction in 2015 and named by the public through a blog-hosted contest after donation by a generous friend of Better World Books, Wordsworth carries up to 3,500 books for donation to schools, libraries, senior living communities, and learning centers throughout the Midwest. The award-winning company works with its many library clients through the Discards & Donations Program, offering a no-cost solution for surplus books and keeping literature and other media out of landfills.

At the ALA conference, held in Chicago’s McCormick Place convention center, Wordsworth will be on display in “The Park & The Playground @ ALA”.  According to early convention descriptions, the Park will offer “a quieter spot with some soothing sounds” where attendees can “take a break from the miles of aisles,” and behind it, the interactive Playground will allow visitors “to ‘play’ with future-focused technologies arriving in libraries today and tomorrow.” At booth #2956, visitors can learn about the Better World Books mission and available library services, including the popular Library Discards & Donations Program that provides free materials and shipping for relief of surplus books, among other benefits.

By partnering with Better World Books, libraries find a cost-free, environmentally friendly outlet to relieve their shelves of surplus books. Instead of collecting dust in overstock rooms and storage facilities, the books are processed through the Better World Books distribution center, where employees determine whether each book is eligible for sale on www.betterworldbooks.com. For every book purchased on the site, a book is donated through the company’s Book-for-Book program. In addition, a percentage of each book sold is donated to one of hundreds of literacy and education partners, such as Books for Africa, Room to Read, and the National Center for Families Learning, to fund their various literacy projects and educational endeavors. Any books that cannot be sold are donated or recycled–no books ever become landfill.

As of June 2017, Better World Books has donated over 23 million books, raised over $24 million in funding for literacy and libraries, and reused or recycled 265 million books.

Wordsworth, one of the newest additions to the Better World Books family, aims to drive literacy rates sky-high. The bookmobile even has fan mail! From one elementary student, Adrian: “I think your books on the bus are cool.” Visit Wordsworth at the ALA conference June 22 – 27, 2017 to experience in person just how much Better World Books Cares.

About the ALA

“The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world. Founded on October 6, 1876 during the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, the mission of ALA is ‘to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.’”
Visit http://www.ala.org/aboutala/ for more information.

About Better World Books

Better World Books (http://www.Cares.BetterWorldBooks.com) is a for-profit, socially minded global bookseller that collects and sells used books online matching each purchase on BetterWorldBooks.com with a donation, book for book.  Each sale generates funds for literacy and education initiatives in the US and around the world.  Since its launch in 2003, Better World Books has raised more than $24 million for libraries and literacy, donated over 23 million books, and reused or recycled 265 million books. 

Media Contact
Better World Books
Dustin Holland
O: 574.855.5205
[email protected]