This Book Donation-Loan project began in 2020, initiated by a small group of secondary school mothers. Our Book Bank is much more than just an exchange project.

The main objectives are:

• Reusing books that our children have used so they don’t end up in a closet for years or, worse, in the trash. For this, we request book donations from all families with children in secondary school.
• Reducing the book purchase budget for families.
• Raising awareness among our children about solidarity and the value of books: taking care of them so other students can reuse them.
• Contributing to protecting our planet by recycling books.

When and how much do we work?

Our work is carried out in campaigns, focusing mainly on June, early July and September, at times agreed according to the availability of each volunteer. After that there may be occasional tasks, but most of the work is managed via email and/or WhatsApp, without the need to travel to the school.

Where does the work take place on site?

At the school, we have an office in the secondary area, where we keep the stock of books and materials needed for the work.

What do we do?

• In June, we receive donations and returns, sorting them by year and section.
• We keep an Excel file to keep track of all donations and loans.
• We host two S5 students on compulsory work placements during the last two weeks of school. Volunteers must accompany them during working hours, depending on their availability.
• We respond to emails and other requests.
• In July, after the end of the school year, we organise the distribution of the requested books, which will be ready for delivery in September.
• In September, at the beginning of the school year, we deliver the books and deal with last-minute requests, mainly from exchange students and teachers.
• We prepare a summary of the results of the campaign.
• We participate in the first annual AMPA meeting at the school, where we present the results and the objectives for the following year.
• If necessary, volunteers meet several times a year to organise campaigns and/or come up with new ideas.
• Throughout the year, we update the information on the Book Bank website.
• We are in direct contact with the AMPA team, the Library and the School Secretary’s Office to organise scheduled activities or new ones that may arise.

Our Commitment; We do this work with great pleasure, convinced that every book we lend is an economic support for families, a lesson in responsibility for students and a step towards environmental sustainability.