Evanston Public Library Highlighted in National PBS News Segment

Evanston Public Library recently was highlighted in a national PBS news segment. As a result of the Library’s partnership with Better World Books (BWB), a book-reselling social enterprise, the Library was interviewed for a news story that appeared on December 19th on Nightly Business Report, a PBS news show that appears in homes across the U.S.

What drew Evanston Public Library to BWB is that they offered an avenue for discarded books to have a “second life.” This way books do not end up in landfills but in the hands of people. The Evanston Public Library teamed up with BWB in July of 2009.  To date, BWB has given back over ten million dollars to libraries and literacy centers across America.

In the last 2 ½ years, the Evanston Public Library has sent BWB 21,335 books, raising $4600 for the Library and about $1500 for our non-profit literacy partner, Books for Africa.

According to Technical Services Manager Evelyn Kaehler, “In selecting our literacy partner, we felt that Books for Africa really spoke to Evanston residents. Better World Books gives a portion of funds raised directly to help children’s literacy programs in Africa, something truly rewarding.”

The Library continues to donate a great deal of books to local organizations, but is also making a difference globally in helping to promote knowledge through books and support a greener initiative.

To the see the story, visit the Library's website, www.epl.org, and follow the steps noted above the video clip.