Company Profile
International Book Project
Company Overview
Our Vision: International Book Project promotes literacy in underserved areas of the world,
both domestic and abroad.
Our Mission: Internatioanl Book Project collects, sorts, and ships donated books
in response to requests from around the world.
Our Values:
We believe:
-literacy empowers individuals and provides opportunity
-in building relationships with local and global organizations
-in a grassroots donor base
-everyone deserves access to books
-worthy books deserve a second life
Company History
The International Book Project is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, founded in Lexington by Harriet Van Meter in 1966 to promote global literacy, education, and cross-cultural friendships. We enjoy wide recognition in the central Kentucky region and rely on a large network of volunteers and donors to make our mission a success. Since 1966, we have shipped over 6 million books around the world.
International Book Project receives donated books which we ship to partner primary and secondary schools, libraries, communities, universities, churches, and Peace Corps volunteers all over the world. Shipments range from small shipment boxes that go through the postal service to reach remote locations, to pallets and sea containers which hold thousands of books. What makes us unique is that our book shipping programs are designed to serve each of our partners’ needs. This is one of founder Harriet Van Meter’s lasting legacies and one which continues to build successful lasting friendships. Every shipment, whether it is a sea container or a small box, is customized by a staff member or volunteer to ensure that the partner is receiving only those books which will best serve them and their community. We work with our partners to make sure that the books we send fill gaps in the school’s curriculum, are age appropriate, and are culturally relevant. Although this is more time consuming, it amplifies the impact we are able to make.
Background
Born in 1910, Mrs. Van Meter had already accomplished a lifetime's work of social benefit to her community before she founded the International Book Project in 1966. Her commitment to literacy brought her a nomination for the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize and she finished among the eight finalists. She also received the Kiwanis International World Service Medal, was inducted into the Kentucky Women's Hall of Fame and received the Kentucky Women Remembered Award, presented by the Kentucky Commission on Women, recognizing her significant contribution to Kentucky and societal history. Her portrait hangs at the Capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Mrs. Van Meter started International Book Project after a trip to India, where she noticed that books and journals were in short supply. She rallied her network of friends as volunteers and shipped about 10,000 books each year from the basement of her house. By 1983, the operation had outgrown her house and she purchased the existing warehouse on Delaware Avenue.
This year marks the International Book Project’s 50th anniversary. The reach of this Lexington based non-profit now extends from Indonesia and the Philippines to India, Nepal and Mongolia, Kosovo and Macedonia, Kenya and Sierra Leone, Paraguay and Nicaragua. In 2015, we shipped a record 287,212 books to 57 countries. The central Kentucky community supports International Book Project with a steady stream of book donations and over 4,000 volunteer hours provided by high school and college students, church groups, corporate service groups, and individuals each year. Our operating budget is growing thanks to grants and grass roots fundraising. Harriet Van Meter’s dream is alive and growing.
At its International Literacy Day, UNESCO stated, “Literacy is not merely the skill to read and write. It is a transformational process that empowers individuals, broadens their critical thinking and provides them with the ability to act.” Through its work, the International Book Project has undoubtedly ignited millions of young minds that will shine a light for the future of their communities and their countries.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
Celebrating our 50th year in 2016, International Book Project has shipped over 6 million donated books to partners around the world.
Benefits
100% employer sponsored health, dental, vision insurance. life insurance, 3% IRA match, and paid time off