The International Book Project sends books to organizations throughout the developing world one of three ways:

1. M-Bag - An M-bag is a small shipment of books weighing approximately 35 pounds that can be shipped to any organization with a valid mailing address. Until 2007, IBP shipped these small shipments through the USPS M-bag service. However, due to drastic increase in M-bag shipping prices in 2007, IBP now uses a third-party provider. Our small shipments are not technically M-bags, but the name has stuck.

Philippines - In an effort to keep small shipment costs down, IBP has begun sending its small shipments to the Philippines in large Balikbayan Boxes. By sharing a sea container, IBP is able to send books at a 33% lower cost than by M-bag.

2. Pallet - A pallet typically contains 700 - 1,000 books. It is often sent to organizations that need more books than an M-bag can provide, but do not need or have funding for a sea container.

3. Sea Container - A sea container contains 10,000 - 25,000 books and can stock an entire library or provide textbooks for an entire school district. Partners requesting a sea container must have the resources and capacity to transport, clear through customs, and distribute a large number of books.

Organizations interested in requesting a pallet or sea container shipment should contact IBP Executive Director Rachel Lewis at director@intlbookproject.org or 859-254-6771.

Books Out

Walk Out - If you are traveling to a developing country and you have contacts who need books, you can come to IBP's warehouse and pick out books to carry with you. A small administrative fee applies.

Mail Out - If you would like to take books overseas with you, but do not live in the Lexington, KY area, IBP can mail you the books. For a $100 donation, IBP will send 50-70 pounds of books to your U.S. address. Please fill out an IBP Application to Receive Books, so we know what types of books you need and what country and organization will receive the books.