Written by: host
4/22/2009 7:00 AM 

• We provided a way for people to recycle their used books. Apparently this was a need. We published the request for books in our church newsletter, by word of mouth to our friends and to the teachers at the elementary school whose students will receive the purchased new books. The books poured in! We received approximately 8 thousand books during a six-week period.
• The organization and execution of the book sale was a time of fellowship and sharing. The day before the sale was a tremendous amount of fun as we read interesting titles to each other and discovered a variety of treasures among the books (such as a postcard with a “beach beauty” from 1957). At the end of the day, the sight of twenty tables covered with books was quite impressive.
• We provided an opportunity for people of all ages to browse and purchase inexpensive books. The majority of the books were priced at $1.50 or less. Our sale attracted a variety of book lovers who enjoyed one another’s company. Many struck up conversations over the book tables, or lingered over a treat in the coffeehouse area. Readings by local authors and a children’s story time added to the festivities.
• We practiced evangelism in a low-pressure, non-threatening way. We noticed that the majority of people at the book sale were not church members. Anytime someone enters your building and has a positive experience, that’s a good thing. With each purchase we distributed a bookmark that had the church’s name and worship times. (Just like a real book store.)
• Leftover books were donated to a variety of places. We sold about half of the books, which left us with a significant number of leftovers. A local book dealer purchased some of the leftovers, which had the added benefit of additional income. (Plus, he hauled the books away!) We also donated boxes of books to the two local hospitals for their patient libraries, two public libraries, another church, a high school, a school in Africa, Ronald McDonald House and Hope Lodge. We essentially offered books to every place we could think of that might need them and all of them were delighted to receive these donations.
• The experience was empowering for the group that undertook it. Books for Books is the first project that my covenant group has envisioned and then organized and accomplished. Everyone worked hard to realize our dream and then we celebrated!
• We raised money that will enable us to purchase new books for children. We raised over $2,000. (This is even more amazing when you consider that many books sold for 50 cents or a dollar!)
• We’ve raised awareness for the second part of our project. Now comes the fun part of working with the teachers and book companies to purchase new books for the children at an elementary school with which our church has a partnership.

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