Books for Keeps blog

(part of a monthly series)

How did you first hear or learn about Books for Keeps?

I think I knew about Books for Keeps back in college, and I believe I volunteered the first time right when I was starting with Epting about 8 years ago. That’s when I found out about Books for Keeps and what the mission is. And I always enjoyed reading as a kid and had a sentimental connection to that message. And then when Leslie and I were in Lead Athens together, we got an Epting group together for a warehouse shift and helped out with some distributions. It was great to actually see how things work.

Why did you choose to serve on the Books for Keeps’ board?

It really goes back to what I was saying about that warm part of my heart when I think about reading and books and how much I learned and grooved from them in that impressionable part of my life. My brother and sister and I always did the summer reading challenges and loved it. My sister and I both loved things like Anne McCaffrey and would read those books. Reading so many different genres of books opened my mind and really made me want to learn. So when I was asked to join the board, I thought back to that and said “yes, absolutely.” I really want kids to feel those things that I felt.

Have you worked with other non-profits in the past? Which ones?

I’ve worked with several political groups and nonprofit orgs, multiple chambers of commerce, and some work with the Jackson County Family Connections through the Jackson Co Chamber of Commerce.

What strengths are you bringing to Books for Keeps?

Hopefully I can bring [...]

Come join a team that makes magic happen for thousands of area children through hard work, relentless positivity, and access to world-expanding books!

Books for Keeps, based in Athens, GA, is hiring to fill three part-time positions: one permanent position coordinating family literacy activities and two seasonal positions responsible for helping execute our spring book distributions. Read details of the positions and learn how to apply by clicking the below links:

Family Literacy Coordinator (part-time, permanent – 1 opening)
Spring Program Coordinator (part-time, temporary – 2 openings)

Books for Keeps is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer a fast-paced, high-energy, relentlessly positive culture that feeds on hard work, mutual support, and shared laughter. We believe the work of Books for Keeps must be done with the communities we serve and not to or for the communities we serve. As such, we strongly encourage applicants who are reflective of our community in all its diversity. 

(part of a monthly series)

How did you first hear or learn about Books for Keeps?

I don’t remember the year, but I first learned of Books for Keeps through the MLK Day of Service in Athens.

How long have you been volunteering or serving with Books for Keeps?

I have been consistently volunteering with Books for Keeps for five years.

Why did you choose to serve on the Books for Keeps’ board?

I believe in the mission of Books for Keeps – to help curb the summer slide in reading.

Have you had an inspiring/memorable interaction with a student since working with Books for Keeps?

I think my most memorable interaction was with a group of girls (I believe they were in second grade) at Barnett Shoals Elementary School in 2018. Even though in multiple classes, several of them asked for the same book and I just thought “oh, this must be a popular book.” It turns out that these young girls were forming a summer book club!! I thought that was one of the most awesome things ever☺

Have you worked with other non-profits in the past? Which ones?

I currently work for Brightpaths (formerly Prevent Child Abuse Athens) which is a non-profit.

What strengths are you bringing to Books for Keeps?

Many years of experience working with families in multiple ways.

Do you have a keen childhood memory related to a particular book? Or an experience with reading – to yourself or to a loved one?

My favorite childhood memory as it relates to reading is participating in the summer reading programs at the library. I loved seeing my name move across the wall as the number of books/hours I read increased. I actually don’t remember if we got prizes at the end of the [...]

Georgia Power is one of those singular sponsors that has been there for Books for Keeps since the very beginning – and has not missed a single year of support. They are truly among a special and dear circle of donors.

Their first donation was logged with Books for Keeps in 2011, the year of our founding.

At a time when we were still proving ourselves to many in the community, just trying to get noticed as a tiny volunteer-run organization, Georgia Power heard Melaney’s passion and vision and they got behind it.

What is particularly meaningful is that Georgia Power committed to increase its financial support in this year of unprecedented challenges – sponsoring two grade-levels at Gaines Elementary School in Athens.

This is far and away the largest gift of support by Georgia Power to our program, and it speaks to a singular commitment they have to children and education.

Beyond that, they’re committed to so many causes and ways of lifting up the Athens community and surrounding region – from working with our local United Way to participating in days of service to make improvements at other community gems like Bear Hollow Zoo, pictured here.

External Affairs Manager Christy Terrell leads the charge for Georgia Power, but she also volunteers her time on numerous local boards and initiatives, providing the strategic leadership so many of us nonprofits rely on.

With this gift from Georgia Power, we’ll be able to bring books to 160

students at Gaines Elementary School – providing them with 12 books each – sending more than 1,900 books going into the homes of these children for a summer full of learning, adventure, and exploration.

Like us, Georgia Power believes that the key to growing the vibrance and [...]

It would be the understatement of the century to say we’ve had an unusual year- all of us.

BFK is no different. It means we’re all hankering for stability and the “normal” rituals. And yet, this year calls for getting creative, trying new things, and providing options for connection.

So, this year as we approach year-end, we’ve got multiple ways to support Books for Keeps. We’re keeping some of the old – including a matching challenge on Giving Tuesday (December 1st) – and adding some new opportunities to get cool swag for yourself or holiday gifts for whoever you’re thankful for this year. Here of some terrific ways to support, all in one place:

Giving Tuesday, December 1st – A global day of giving, and a major fundraising day for Books for Keeps! This day serves as the official kick-off of our year-end fundraising campaign, and you know we love to provide some extra incentive to be extra-generous. On that day, the Books for Keeps board members will match all donations until we reach $10,000 on that day. (That’s our board members from past, present, and even a few of our incoming members who will officially join us in January.) Mark your calendars, bookmark our donation page, and help us have our most successful Giving Tuesday ever!
Lock in your holiday hunker-down activity or surprise a music-lover in your life with one of these REM jigsaw puzzles, featuring the band’s 1990 poster for the American Library Association (ALA). Proceeds from all puzzle sales go straight back to the ALA and to your favorite acronym: BFK! The puzzles are made right here in Athens by local Very Good Puzzle Company, and will arrive in time for Christmas!