International Book Project

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FAQs

How does an organization qualify to receive books from the International Book Project?
The International Book Project accepts requests for books from organizations throughout the world, such as churches, missionary groups, primary and secondary schools, community and school libraries, universities, and the U.S. Peace Corps. Applicants must fill out an IBP Application to Receive Books. Each application is evaluated by IBP staff for quality of organizational structure, English-language competence, and number of people served by the organization. Learn more about our M-bag application process.

How do I donate books to the International Book Project?
If you would like to donate books, review the Donate Books page. Please note that IBP cannot pay to ship books to its warehouse, but shipping costs associated with sending books to IBP are tax-deductible. Please remember to include a financial contribution to help IBP send your wonderful gift of books to our client organizations abroad.

Does IBP accept donations of magazines?
The International Book Project DOES NOT accept donations of magazines or academic journals. IBP works with organizations to send the specific types of books requested, and at this time, few organization request magazines or journals.

Does IBP only send books in English?
The International Book Project sends our client organizations the type of books requested in their applications. Due to globalization, English language skills have become increasingly important to our recipients. For many of our recipients, learning the English language is the key to better educational and vocational opportunities. IBP is able to fulfill requests in English, Spanish, and French (on a limited basis).

What is a sea container?
A sea container is large standard-size metal box designed to make overseas shipping extremely efficient by standardizing the process. Sea containers typically come in two sizes. A 20' x 20' sea container holds approximately 15,000 books and can weigh up to 32,000 pounds. A 20' x 40' sea container holds 20,000-25,000 books and can weigh up to 40,000 pounds. Sea containers can be very difficult to get into remote areas. Learn about How We Ship Books.

How do you know my books make a difference?
Because the International Book Project specializes in sending small shipments of books, it is difficult to quantify the impact IBP makes. However, we receive letters and pictures from our recipients showing how the books are making a difference. Most of our recipients have very few books and even a small shipment makes a big difference. Visit the IBP blog to read our most recent thank-yous and see pictures of our recipients.