HOW IT ALL BEGAN

It all began in Boston, Massachusetts, when Rosalie Arcala Hall (above left) was getting her doctorate at Northeastern University.  She bought and was given a number of books which at the end of her studies she didn’t need.  So, she sent them to her university's library in the Philippines, the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV), where she is a tenured professor of political science.

And it grew from there, thanks to the generous support of friends, family, colleagues and strangers.

First, her colleagues at NEU's Department of Political Science began to donate their books and contribute to shipping costs.  Then, Bruce Hall gathered more books from his family and friends and from book recycling programs in his hometown and surrounding towns.  All this inspired other members of NEU's community and even book publishers to donate even more books.

Soon, thousands of books have been sent across the Pacific to UPV.

When San Felipe, Zambales, Rosalie's hometown, opened a municipal library, books were collected and donated to that, which was just a small fraction of the books donated by others (see this). Books were also donated to the other libraries in San Felipe. 

In 2005, this small book drive expanded to Tokyo, Japan, after having spread in the U.S.A. throughout New England and to Washington, DC, and California. To see a copy of our Tokyo book drive flyer, click here.

WHY DO WE GATHER BOOKS?

Books are expensive anywhere, but for a developing economy like the Philippines, books are especially so, often costing a whole week's pay or more.  Since most of the books read in the Philippines are English books, they are mostly imported from the US, adding to the cost. 

It is simply impossible for most students in the Philippines to buy books for classes.  They must use what is in the libraries. 

Professors and teachers are limited to assigning what is in the library.  The more books we gather and send the libraries the greater their options are and the better the classes.

Further, books are a prime source of entertainment for students on the main UPV campus.  There is no cable television, indeed no television at all, in the dorms, nor is there internet dorm rooms. Off campus, options are equally limited with no movie theaters or other entertainment within an hour’s ride. Books are one of the few forms of entertainment available, which is great since reading improves one’s language skills.

By the way, English is one of two official languages in the Philippines and is the language of education for most universities and schools.

WHAT TYPE OF BOOKS DO WE NEED?

All kinds of books -- from academic tomes to pulp fiction -- as long as they are in readable condition.  Duplicates are welcome as that makes it easier when they assigned by teachers.

WHAT ARE OUR EXPENSES? DO WE ACCEPT DONATIONS?

We only spend money on shipping to the Philippines.  We do not buy books.  We do not pay for domestic shipping.  There are no overhead expenses. 

It costs on average 25 to 50 US cents per book shipped, or about US$60 to $120 per balikbayan box.  We do accept donations.  Please contact us.

WHO ARE WE?  WHAT IS OUR LEGAL STATUS?

This is a simple book drive run by an American-Filipino couple, Bruce and Rosalie Hall.  We do not have by-laws or a board of directors, nor are we incorporated anywhere.  We gather books and deliver them.  That's it.  Bruce and Rosalie Hall normally live in the Philippines and teach at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas

HOW DO I DONATE BOOKS?

Contact us to discuss your individual circumstances.  Click here.

CAN I HELP IN OTHER WAYS?

Of course!  We are always looking for people who want to be a collection and shipping point.  We could use help with this website, obviously, and with publicity.  Do you have other ideas?  Let us know.