BMW Book Donation Program ~ History
BMW’s Book Donation Program was launched during a fall 2003 potluck at Jody Berman’s. What was suggested as a one-time charitable holiday project–collecting books, donating them to Book Worm used bookstore in Boulder, and issuing gift certificates (with our “credit”) to persons in need–quickly morphed into an ongoing program that has benefited many local citizens and organizations.
How the Program Works
Several times a year, BMW collects books at potlucks. The potluck hostess announces collection plans in advance. A volunteer then takes the books to Book Worm–3175 28th St., (303) 449-3765–and applies the credit to the Boulder Media Women account. Alternatively, individual BMW members can take books to Book Worm themselves and apply the credit to BMW’s account. Gift certificates are issued roughly twice a year, often to organizations that benefit women and girls. To suggest possible recipients of gift certificates, or to get involved in the program in another way, please contact Jaimie Epstein (jaimiee@mac.com).
Program Beneficiaries
BMW has issued gift certificates to Sudanese refugees, BoulderReads, the Parenting Place, Boulder County Social Services, Boulder Prep High School, Boulder County Latina Womens League, Children’s House Preschool, and Intercambio de Comunidades (Exchange of Communities), among others. Additionally, after Hurricane Katrina, BMW shipped 20 boxes of books to help rebuild a 1932 library in the little fishing village of Bayou La Batre, Alabama, as well as damaged libraries in Mississippi.
What Book Worm Accepts
- Recently released hardcover fiction (within the past year)
- Hardcover classics
- Paperbacks, particularly sci-fi and mysteries
- Nonfiction (published in the past 5 years)
- Health and writing reference books (pretty new)
- Travel guides
- Cookbooks (new or specific cuisine)
- Dictionaries and thesauruses
- Spanish-language books (all subjects), as long as they’re not too old
- Children’s books
- Children’s books on tape
- Audio books, CDs, DVDs
- Sheet music
What Book Worm Won’t Accept
- Hardcover fiction more than a year old (especially if the book has come out in paper)
- Computer and tech books (unless brand new)
- VHS tapes
Where to Take Books Book Worm Won’t Accept
- Hospice Thrift Shop (5290 Arapahoe)
- Salvation Army Thrift Store (1701 33rd St.)
- Greenwood Wildlife Rehab Center Thrift Store (3013 Walnut St.)
- Boulder Valley Humane Society Thrift Shop (5320 Arapahoe Ave.)
- Boulder County Jail, 3200 Airport Rd. Call first: Donald O’Hara, (303) 441-4686
- Savers (Table Mesa Shopping Center)
- Eco-Cycle’s Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) (5030 old Pearl St.)