1000 Books for Hope
Give kids the gift of reading: Donate a book to Eat Local / Act Global
There are places in the world where books are a rare luxury, schools where reading can't be practiced because, well, there's nothing to read. Kenya is one of those places, and Sunday you can help by donating a book, while catching some amazing food and music at the Eat Local / Act Global concert at CTC Garden.
Libraries provide an opportunity to share great reading and sharing is what 1000 Books of Hope is all about — filling five new Kenyan libraries full of books. Not just any books; the group is asking for books you love.
“Rather than stacks of old books that are no longer wanted,” says organizer Turk Pipkin, “we’re looking for donations of favorite books that have had great meaning in your life. Write your name, hometown and a short note about why you love the book in the front cover. Those notes are the bridge to a world of learning and friendship for eager readers in Kenya where few communities or schools have libraries.”
Austin icon Turk Pipkin and his wife Christy know something about schools in Kenya. Their film Building Hope chronicled efforts to build schools in rural Kenya. It's an effort that has succeeded with amazing results.
Pipkin also knows something about Austin music, and Sunday, with the help of CTC International, he's put together a celebration concert with Ruby Jane, Sara Hickman and African music band, Zoumountchi!
The Nobelity Project’s Kenya Schools Fund supports libraries at Mahiga Hope High, the Kabiruini Girls School, Irbaan Primary, the Joe Gracey Library (named in honor of the legendary Austin DJ and music producer) and the upcoming CTC International’s Knowledge and Resource Center. These libraries will serve boys, girls, men and women, from pre-school to adult literacy.
Take a book to the concert, or if you can't attend, there are 11 drop-off locations around the city:
- CTC Garden – 1102 E. Cesar Chavez St.
- Cenote – 1010 E. Cesar Chavez St.
- Fiat of Austin – 11011 Domain Drive
- Hyde Park Bar & Grill – 4206 Duval or 4521 West Gate Blvd.
- Irie Bean Coffee – 2310 S. Lamar
- Lola Savannah’s Coffee Lounge – 6317 Bee Caves Rd
- Monkey Nest Coffee – 5353 Burnet Rd.
- The 263 Restaurant – 1705 N. Cuernavaca Drive
- Progress Coffee – 500 San Marcos St
- Precision Camera – 3810 N. Lamar Austin
- University of Texas - Liberal Arts Advising Office (Gebauer 2.306)
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Tickets for Eat Local / Act Global are still available for $25. Give a book and get $5 off. The Nobelity Project has more information. Book donations can be made all over Austin or by mail to The Nobelity Project, PO Box 161925, Austin, TX 78716.