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December 1965

January 1966

Calendar of Events
Dear League Member (Gladys Gabert)
Practical Politics
Memo from the President (Nancy Dykes)
State Study
Budget Committee
Recommended Reading
Nominating Committee
Mass Transportation (Gladys Gabert)
Mekong River
Consensus - the word
Aloha to Our New Members
Notes from the Local Agenda Committee
CARE in Paperback

CARE in Paperback

BOOKS USA is a kind of literary CARE. Instead of packets of foods packets of American paperback books are sent abroad for distribution by Peace Corps volunteers and U.S. Information Service officers. These books find their way to students and teachers in Asia., Africa, and Latin America.

Edward R. Murrow announced BOOKS as a government program at the 1963 Convention of the League of Women Voters of New York City. Later that year it became incorporated as a non-profit, private citizens' organization, because it was felt the program could operate more effectively that way. At the same time, a former New York City League president, Mrs. George C. Vietheer, was elected BOOKS first vice president. She still holds this office.

How does it function? BOOKS USA operates through contributions from the American public - each $4.00 of which sends overseas one packet of 10 books in such categories as American history and government, American literature, science, learning English, and children's books - all for presentation in the donor's name.

Titles are selected by the board of directors from lists recommended by the U.S. Information Agency. The paperback industry allows liberal discounts for purchasing the books:

The organization's board of directors includes Leonard H. Marks, USIA director; Thurgood Marshall, Solicitor General of the U.S.;

Sargent Shriver, Peace Corps Director; and Mrs. Vietheer. Headquarters are at 1750 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20006.

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