Books for Keeps

Books for Keeps kicking off its first community book fair. The event replaces the nonprofit's annual book sale, which has been shuttered due to the pandemic. Executive Director Leslie Hale says the books’ warehouse is fully stocked. 

COVID-19 has changed the way a lot of industries and organizations conduct business. And that’s no different for Athens nonprofit Books for Keeps.

The agency’s model has always been to set up a free book fair in elementary schools. This year organizers have made adjustments necessary to continue its mission.

Books for Keeps is holding its 9th Annual Gigantic Book Sale beginning this week. This is the most important fundraiser for the Athens nonprofit, raising between $20 to $25 thousand dollars. Leslie Hale is Executive Director of the organization. She says thousands of book encompassing all genres will be available.

The annual book distribution time is here for Books for Keeps.

The organization plans to give away 95,000 books this year. Distribution kicks off in Elbert County Tuesday. Executive Director Leslie Hale is Executive Director of Books for Keeps. She says the nonprofit will hand out books in Athens later this month, but volunteers are needed.

Books for Keeps is holding a Bunco for Books fundraiser Thursday evening.

The event will feature games, prizes, food and a silent auction. Organizers say no experience is necessary. Patty Booth is a board member for Books for Keeps and the Bunco committee chair.

“Bunco for Books is a fundraiser that we do annually, this is the second one. We pull together up to one hundred people and we play bunco by very simple rules. We teach you how to play Bunco, so you don’t have to come with prior experience,” Booth said.