Almost everyone has books lying about their homes. Some hold on to them for sentimental reasons, others are reluctant to donate for fear it will be defaced or destroyed in another’s hands. Worse yet, sent to a recycling factory.
However, one pre-loved bookstore called Books for a Better World recently launched a literacy programme with the aim of keeping books in circulation while promoting the reading habit, particularly in kids.
Speaking to FMT, co-founder Adrian Ung said that at present, most of the store’s books are purchased from The Salvation Army Malaysia although they are looking to purchase books from other charitable organisations too.
“We would like to buy books regularly from these organisations but we don’t know which organisations sell books,” said Ung, adding that he is currently in discussions with several parties.
Besides purchasing their books, he said his bookstore will also support these organisations with a yearly cash donation.
Ung is also looking to collaborate with corporations wishing to organise book donation drives as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“The books can be dropped at our bookstore at Amcorp Mall, or we can go to their offices to collect them,” he said.
Those who collaborate with us will receive a certification of appreciation and will be mentioned in the bookstore’s social media postings.
Just last month, Baker Hughes contributed 300-400 pre-loved books. “The staff contributed their old books as part of their CSR project and they were looking for organisations they could give their books to,” he said, adding that the company will continue to donate books to the store from time to time.
According to Ung, some of these books, especially encyclopaedias and children’s books will be donated to orphanages, community libraries and other charitable organisations.
“Hardly anyone buys encyclopaedias; you’d have to sell them really cheap even though they cost a lot. It’s also a waste to recycle them as they’re very good books, so, it’s better to donate them to community libraries,” he explained.
In July he donated about 100 books to the Subang Jaya City Council to be placed in a reading space at a low-cost flat.
Ung is currently working with Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran to place books at the Damansara Bistari flat library.
Besides donating pre-loved books, Ung plans to establish community reading corners in shopping malls and housing areas in Selangor, and those interested in collaborating with him, are encouraged to contact him.
Also in the pipeline are the installation of book donation bins at shopping malls, apartment complexes and offices, although getting approval for these bins has not been easy, he said.
“Because everyone has books to donate; people have been bringing in about 10-20 books each to our store. But with a coordinated effort, we can place these bins in public areas, which will make it easier for people to donate their books.”
So far, he has received positive feedback about this project as it gives people an opportunity to contribute back to society.
“Those who give their books to us say they do so because they know where the books are going, i.e., it goes back to readers. They’re no longer worried that their books might be recycled,” he shared.
No doubt, keeping pre-loved books in circulation has a host of advantages – it benefits charities, fosters a reading culture, gets rid of “book clutter”, as well as promotes sustainable living.
To collaborate with Books for a Better World’s Literacy Programme, contact Adrian Ung at 017-8128121 or e-mail [email protected].
Visit Books for a Better World’s website, Facebook and Instagram accounts for more information.