Books are powerful tools, especially in the developing world. Schools often request libraries as a priority. But books are costly and hard to acquire. This post shares how to get free books from Darien Book Aid for your school.
About Darien Book Aid
Founded in 1949, Darien Book Aid is an all-volunteer group dedicated to improving the world through literacy and education. They donate hand-selected books to underserved communities across the globe. These books can enhance reading skills, build English language fluency, increase knowledge, and spark curiosity. Their mission statement is:
Darien Book Aid is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that improves literacy and education worldwide and builds a foundation of peace, understanding and friendship through the free distribution of books. Darien Book Aid sends hand-selected books in response to specific requests from Peace Corps Volunteers, libraries and schools all over the world. We also donate books domestically to US organizations in need including schools, libraries, prisons, hospitals and Native American groups.
If you are not a Peace Corps volunteer, Darien Book Aid still sends books worldwide to schools and organizations. Visit their website darienbookaid.org for more information.
Applying for Free Books
Applying for free books for your school or community is straightforward. But the more you know about Darien Book Aid, their volunteers, and available materials, the better you can tailor your request. Review all the application information below while preparing your request for the most relevant books.
Required Application Information
Darien Book Aid asks PCVs to provide information in an email (or letter if email is unavailable). The more details you include, the better they can fulfill your request. Your email should contain:
- That you are a PCV, with a paragraph or two about your work and book needs.
- The ages of your students, if the books are for students.
- The US grade reading level equivalents of your readers (reading level, not grade level).
- The types of books you think would be most useful.
- Your mailing address in English. Include any non-Roman character version too.
- Your in-country phone number. They need this for the mailing label.
- Your COS (close of service) date.
Books are Hand-Selected
Remember this is an all-volunteer group. An individual will personally handle your request. Providing more information about your situation allows them to send the most relevant options. Don’t just make a list. Help the Darien Book Aid volunteer connect personally through details about your service, students, and needs. This rewards their efforts by forging a bond between them, the books, you, and your students. A few paragraphs is sufficient, no need for an essay. But do put care into what you want to say.
Types of Free Books Available
The books you can request depend on who will use them. Knowing what kinds of books donors provide can help you understand what might be available, such as:
- Children’s fiction/non-fiction for all ages
- Classics and simplified, illustrated classics
- Dictionaries, thesauruses, and picture dictionaries
- Short story collections
- Grammar resources for all ages
- ESL materials
- Children’s books in other languages
- Vocational/technical books
- Medical and nursing textbooks less than 10 years old
- Law books suitable for developing world
- Current computer/IT books
- Business, banking, accounting, entrepreneurship
- Agriculture, gardening, animal husbandry
- Environment, ecology, climate change
- New atlases and maps
- Recent National Geographic, Nature, Smithsonian magazines
- Bibles
Volunteers receive around 20-30 lbs of books (shipping covered by Darien Book Aid). Prioritize your list by importance, as you likely won’t receive everything.
Suggestions for Education Volunteers
For example, I prioritized English books for lower grades at my school. Suggestions for young EFL students could include:
- Children’s dictionaries and picture dictionaries
- Illustrated classic literature and fairy tales
- Short story collections
- Grammar resources and ESL/EFL teaching materials
- Children’s fiction/non-fiction
- Graphic novels and comics
- Simple biographies of diverse inspirational figures
- Practical skill books like cooking or crafts with visuals
- Elementary textbooks on math, science, social studies
- Geography, environment, climate change books with visuals
I chose these kinds of short, simple texts, especially those with visual components, to build literacy through accessible, engaging content. Hopefully some will relate to students’ lives.
Note: You can request specific titles but availability isn’t guaranteed.
Email Template
Here is a sample email template for requesting books from Darien Book Aid as a PCV. Each paragraph has a simple explanation of its purpose:
| Dear Peggy Minnis, I am a Peace Corps volunteer working as [your role] at [name of school/organization] in [location]. The books will be used to [explain usage – classroom library, community library, etc.]. | Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself as a PCV and explain how the books will be used. This provides context. |
| I work with [describe population – students, community members, etc.] between the ages of [ages] with reading levels around [grade levels]. | Paragraph 2: Describe the students/community members who will use the books – ages, reading levels, interests, etc. This helps select suitable books. |
| [Tell more about yourself, your Peace Corps service, your community, etc.] | Paragraph 3: Make a personal connection between you and the volunteer packing the books by sharing about your service, community, etc. |
| Below are the topics or types of books that would be most useful for my students: – Topic 1 – Topic 2 – Types of books 1 – Types of books 2 – Etc. | Wish List: Prioritize your list and provide alternatives if requests aren’t available. |
| My mailing address is: [mailing address] My phone number is: [phone number] I will complete my Peace Corps service on [end date]. | Paragraph 4: Provide mailing address, phone number, end of service date. Probably best to use the school adddress (not your personal address). They need this information to process the request. |
| I would greatly appreciate any books you could provide to support [purpose – literacy, education, etc]. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. Thank you for supporting Peace Corps volunteers and the communities we serve. Sincerely, [Your name] [Peace Corps country] | Paragraph 5: Recap your request and express appreciation. |
When using email, put the letter in the body of the email (not an attachment) to Peggy Minnis at BookAid@aol.com.
Receiving and Showing Appreciation
First, email Peggy Minnis at BookAid@aol.com when you receive the books, as they have no tracking. Also send photos of students with the books, and find other ways to express appreciation like handwritten notes, videos, etc. Showing gratitude ensures volunteers will keep supporting PCVs for years to come.
Contacting Darien Book Aid
Darien Book Aid is located in Darien, Connecticut. Contact them through their website or email Peggy Minnis directly at BookAid@aol.com with specific questions.
Time to Write Your Email
Now you have the information and template to request free books. Don’t wait, send your email today! These books will enrich learning and build literacy in your school and community.
