Just because those used textbooks aren't worth much to the college bookstore, doesn't mean they're worthless. From December 8-12, 2003, students at Georgia Tech and other Georgia universities are sending their used textbooks to schools and libraries in Africa as part of a book drive for the non-profit organization Books for Africa.

Many students who try to sell their textbooks back to the college bookstore at the end of the semester find that the store either won't buy it back because it's not being used in class anymore, or they get very little money back for them. Putting the Books for Africa bins at all campus buy back places gives students a chance to put the books to good use rather than throwing them in the trash, said Jennifer Wu, student organizer of the book drive at Georgia Tech.

During fiscal year 2003, Books for Africa sent $17 million worth of books to the continent. Since the organization's founding in 1988, Books for Africa has distributed more than nine million books.

Georgia State University, University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, Mercer, Spellman and Berry College are also participating in the Books for Africa drive, which was organized by Campus Community Outreach for Books for Africa. Emory University will hold its drive in January.

Georgia Tech will have five drop-off locations including the Barnes and Noble at Georgia Tech in Midtown and the Student Center.

For more information about Georgia Tech's Books for Africa drive, contact David Terraso, Institute Communications and Public Affairs, at 404-385-2966.

For more information about Books for Africa or other participating schools, contact Mary Murphy, Campus Community Outreach, at 770-664-6178.