Watch CBS News

Minn.-Based Books For Africa Shipments Hit 1.9M

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Books For Africa says it has shipped around 1.9 million books to 21 African countries in the past 12 months, a new high for the St. Paul-based nonprofit.

The group says the books were worth $22.2 million dollars. Books for Africa says it also shipped 643 computers and 13 brand new law libraries to Africa during the fiscal year that ended June 30.

Books For Africa says it's the world's largest shipper of donated books to Africa. Since 1988, it has shipped over 24 million high-quality books to children and adults in 45 African countries. The books come from a variety of sources, including many school districts and greater Minnesota communities that donate used school books.

The group says its goal is to "end the book famine in Africa."

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.