The Kalamazoo Public Library doesn't have a branch in southern Africa. But it's helping get books into the hands of kids there.
The library has partnered with the nonprofit African Library Project to collect books for a school in Swaziland. Kalamazoo branch librarian Amanda Lentz says they need new or "gently used" books for kids in preschool to fourth grade:
"So once you hit a thousand books - that's essentially the goal that they would like you to meet - you ship your books to their warehouse in New Orleans, and from there they are able to get them out to the communities in Africa."
Lentz says the goal is to collect at least a thousand books for kids in preschool to fourth grade.
The books are being collected at Kalamazoo Public Library branches and two local bookstores until September 1st.