LOCAL charity Books Abroad is one of 29 projects in Aberdeenshire in the running to receive a share of £500,000 via the Just Transition Participatory Fund.
Promoting literacy, education and understanding to provide the means of a sustainable escape route from the plight of poverty, since it was established 40 years ago, Books Abroad has saved 4 million books from going to landfill. The books have been sent to schools, colleges and libraries in developing countries, as well as distributed within local communities.
Books Abroad aims to meet the worldwide demand for recycled books and their eco-friendly project is to upgrade their warehouse in Rhynie to a modern, net zero facility to encourage volunteers and the local community to use this eco-friendly, self-sufficient space. Following a successful application, the project is now up for Participatory Budgeting public vote.
The charity has put forward a funding request of £50,000 to complete the upgrades which would enable them to expand and enhance the volume of books they are able to accept and redistribute.
Vinay Ruparelia MBE DL of Books Abroad commented: “At the moment we handle 250,000 books per year and by modernising our warehouse in Rhynie we plan to increase our volunteer team, therefore increasing the number of books we can store and redistribute. Our aim would be to handle 500,000 books, further reducing the amount going to landfill and providing more children with access to good quality, second hand books.
“We are seeing an increased demand locally, from nurseries, education departments and families for books, this is due to the cost-of-living crisis and a desire for us all to reduce our environmental impact, by reusing instead of buying new all of the time. This is your opportunity to have your say about the green projects within your community and I would encourage people to show their support for Books Abroad. By voting for us you’re not just benefitting children in your area but also giving those living in poverty, worldwide, the opportunity to expand their knowledge and understanding, with access to a wide range of books, in a sustainable way.
To vote for Books Abroad eco-friendly project visit: www.jtpbfund.scot/vote.
Books Abroad is a recognised Scottish Charity no SC 011359.
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The essence of Just Transition Participating Budgeting is to empower the residents of Aberdeenshire, City and Morayshire, by giving them a crucial role in shaping the just transition to net zero. Residents and their families, including children from 5 years of age, are invited to have the final say over which initiatives are funded through public vote. To be eligible to vote you must live, work or access services in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or Moray. Have a valid Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or Moray postcode, for your vote to be counted your postcode must be entered in full. You will be asked to select five projects (10 in Moray) which have your vote.
Books Abroad was established 40 years ago and, in this time, 4 million books have been sent abroad, to 3850 establishments, in 100 different countries. The charity accepts book donations from schools, colleges, universities, libraries and the general public. Books Abroad has a second-hand book shop on 47 High Street, Banff which is open Monday to Saturday from 10am-3.45pm. Proceeds from the books sold in the shop go towards the transport costs for overseas school projects.
For further information visit www.booksabroad.org.uk.
