Entirely student-led and organized, Books Beyond Boundaries is an on-campus club that provides an opportunity to contribute toward a greater cause. Through their initiatives, the club has donated around 500 books to Africa, motivated by improving literacy rates and increasing access to education.
In achieving this amount, each club member took a month to collect anywhere from 50 to 70 books from around the community, at bookstores, library sales and consignment stores. Then, they gathered to sort, package and mail the books.
“We donated a half library,” co-president and junior Shaurya Madiraju said. “We’re looking to conduct this process at a larger scale and donate more books in the future.”
The club is open to all and can be expected on campus next year.
“Books Beyond Boundaries aims to help those who are eager to learn but lack the resources to do so,” Madiraju said. “We felt that starting this club would provide an opportunity to include more people to contribute towards the cause.”
Madiraju, along with co-president and junior Sanvi Goutama, have been involved with the Africa Library Project, the club’s partner organization, for years. When they noticed expanding interest and engagement from their peers, they took the initiative to start Books Beyond Boundaries on campus.
“I wanted to implement [the club] because Africa has a really low literacy rate,” Goutama said. “I wanted to improve that.”
Goutama encourages anyone to get involved in future initiatives, especially as increased participation boosts the club’s impact.
“I think it’s a really great opportunity to spread this global kind of service,” Goutama said.
Despite the amount of work and time commitment the club requires, Madiraju has found his efforts in Books Beyond Boundaries rewarding.
“In each of the book drives I’ve been involved with, I’ve learned about teamwork, leadership and the importance of literature and its ability to empower communities,” Madiraju said. “The club allows you to make a difference in a fun and collaborative way.”
