Books are collected from schools from across Wisconsin and come to a collection center in Madison where they are sorted, boxed, palletized and shrink-wrapped before being loaded onto a semi-trailer and shipped to Houston. Sorting and packing books is made available to community volunteers.
What to Expect When You Pack Books
- All volunteers will be required to sign a liability release. Volunteers under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- You will be standing on a concrete floor, so dress in comfortable shoes. The facility is clean, but some boxes of books may be dusty.
- SUMMER: Wear light-weight clothing as there is no air conditioning in our warehouse. You can assume that the inside and outside temperatures will be similar. We have several fans for circulation. WINTER: Wear layers. The temperature can get down to 50 degrees, but is quite comfortable when you are working.
- Cold water, coffee or tea, and snacks will be provided.
- Restrooms are available on site.
- Volunteers will be sorting and packing used text books which have been donated by local schools, libraries, and individuals. Any lifting of boxes is done by able-bodied people. The boxes that they fill will then be put on pallets awaiting shipment to developing countries where children and others need books. The books are made available to teachers and administrators at no cost.
- We will review the instructions on how to pack the boxes when you arrive.
- The location of the warehouse is located at 1849 Wright Street in the Madison College Complex, Truax Campus. Click here for a map. Look for "Rotary Books." Take our cell phone numbers and call if you cannot find the warehouse.
