Books Are GEMS
"The more you read, the more things you know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go!"
~Dr. Seuss
  • Who We Are
    • Mission and Vision
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact us
    • GEMS News
  • What We Do
    • Severn (7) Free Books a Month!
    • Storytime Saturdays
    • Summer Reading Challenge
    • Test Prep Student Resources
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Educator Support & Materials
    • Major Distribution
    • General Bookstore
    • Rx to Read
  • Where To Find Us
  • Donate
  • Newsletters
    • April 2020 Newsletter
    • March 2020 Newsletter
    • February 2020 Newsletter
    • January 2020 Newsletter
    • September 2019 Newsletter
    • August 2019 Newsletter
    • July 2019 Newsletter
    • Spring 2019 Newsletter
  • Our Partners
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Special Events
  • FAQs
  • Research
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The Bookstore will Be Open on 
 MONDAY and WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. !


Get Your Kids Reading This Summer! Enroll in the Summer Reading Challenge!
Kids Win Great Prizes at the End of Summer!

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Visit our "What We Do" Page and Click on "Summer Reading" and
Get Your Kids Reading This Summer! Win Great Prizes!


Story Time
​​EVERY SATURDAY @ 10:30 a.m.

on Zoom & Facebook Live
​Join Us!

Zoom Link @ Bottom of Page

CURRENT PROGRAMS!

Every Child Can Select One New Children's Book
​and Six Gently Used Books!
​That's 7  Free Books for Every Child!
Plus, Parent's May Pick Up Books for Their Children!

​We Thank You for Supporting Books are Gems Bookstore!


​Your Reader This Satuday!

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Deanna McSwain is a retired veteran in the field of education. She taught twenty-one years at elementary levels, and was in administration fourteen in the Department of Academics.

Ms. McSwain taught as an adjunct faculty and University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) for twelve semesters teaching pedagogy and classroom management.

She has also taught at an Alternative education company and continue to provide professional learning for educators in the field of gifted and talented, best practices, and coaching/mentoring beginning teachers.
 
Today Ms. McSwain loves being a full-time grandmother and reading to and with her three grandchildren. 





The Following Books Will be Read this Saturday!
The first 50 families to come to the bookstore during the week
​will receive a copy  - FREE!

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Lady has a happy life but The Tramp, a homeless dog, tells her that will change when a baby comes into the house. And when a baby does come, Lady worries. Darling and Jim Dear have less time for her and then, to make matters worse, Aunt Sarah comes and immediately orders Lady to be tied up in the yard... and muzzled! The Tramp releases her from her rope and her muzzle and offers to go anywhere she likes; he's shocked when she chooses home. Thankfully, they arrive in time to alert the family to a fire and, out of gratitude, Jim Dear and Darling take The Tramp into their home. 
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This classic book is a humorous favorite story and can be enjoyed by adults as well as toddlers. Children love the brightly colored pages with their ever-growing holes. The various animals shown in the old lady's belly are guaranteed to have your children giggling enthusiastically.  This book is on target specially now that the world is facing the recent global pandemic residuals of Covid 19.  The Old Lady series remains a popular selection with primary and elementary age audience. The Old Lady is amazing the way she brings smiles and laughs to children’s faces and to adults as well. 


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Broadway and screen star Kristin Chenoweth's whimsical adventure about                    adoption reminds kids they have an abundance of love and kindness to share, whether adopting a pet or expanding their family.
​What Will I Do with My Love Today? is a sweet adventure picture book by celebrity Kristin Chenoweth, known for her role in Broadway's Wicked and her Emmy Award–winning performance in the ABC hit series Pushing Daisies. Join young Kristi Dawn as she joyfully walks around New York City, sharing her love through acts of generosity—from singing in the church choir to helping a neighbor weed her garden. When she meets a lonely dog looking for a home, Kristi shows that adoption is one of the most loving and life-changing gifts of all.
Through delightful rhyme and examples of child-friendly (and pup-friendly!) acts of generosity and kindness, Chenoweth shares the powerful message that the more love you give, the more love you get back! This read-aloud picture book
·         is a meaningful way to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day, National Dog Day, and National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day,
·         and is a fun gift for fans of Kristin Chenoweth.
Inspired by Chenoweth's inspiring, love-filled message, your kids will jump out of bed every morning and say, "What will I do with my love today?"
       


Your Donation Will Help Us Continue to Provide "Free" Books for Kids!
Thank you


FREE - Activity Sheets for You to Download!

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Your Story Time Zoom Invitation! or Join Us on FACEBOOK Live!


Books are Gems is inviting you to Saturday Story Time
On Zoom and Facebook Live on the

"Books are Gems" Facebook Page!

Every Saturday
10:30 a.m.


Zoom Story-time Saturday
Note: This is a recurring meeting Every Saturday

Click or Cut and Paste on your Browser:

https://zoom.us/j/7088769805?pwd=WU1QWGhMOEpxcFphSEdWQzVzWDZFUT09

Meeting ID: 708 876 9805

Passcode: Books

One tap mobile
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adr3hNaDob
Passcode to Join is Books
Meeting ID: 708 876 9805
​

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/Storytime-Saturdays-100848105024959

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE INFORMATION - DOWNLOAD TODAY!

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THANK YOU FRONTLINE WORKERS! We Honor You!
Please Stay Safe During this Pandemic!
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Click on our video below to learn more about Books are GEMS.


How Books are GEMS began:
A Love Story


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Eighteen (18) Years Later
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Since its inception, Books are GEMS has provided over 1.5 MILLION BOOKS to children and educators. Thanks to ongoing support from the El Paso Community, Books are GEMS continues to expand its reach through various programs.
Timeline
  • January 2003 - Books are GEMS becomes a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and fundraising begins
  • Distributions begin at Alamo, AOY, and Roosevelt in South El Paso
  • Books begin flowing in and Gracie’s bedroom overflows
  • Paula Madriles’s living and dining room fill up
  • A friend’s garage overflows
  • Paula Madriles and friends are forced to rent a storage unit, and then another
  • June 2003: Books are GEMS moves into the Placita Santa Fe on Doniphan
  • January 2006: Books are GEMS reaches its current location, 7744 North Loop, Suite B, located on the right side / back half of the BBVA Compass Bank building
Books are GEMS Programs
- Six (6) Free Books a Month
- General Bookstore
- Free Materials for Educators
- Storytime Saturdays
- Major Distribution
- Rx to Read
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Please Be Patient When Standing in Line, Please Wear a Face Mask, Practice Social Distancing, Use Hand Sanitizer & Your temperature Will Be Taken Before You Enter to Receive Your Free Books for Each of Your Children!

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Our Location


Books are GEMS

Phone:
(915) 845-5437

Address:
7744 North Loop, Suite B
El Paso, Texas 79915


Trouble finding us?
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Books Are GEMS is located on the right side / back half
of the PNC Bank building

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Help place a book into the hands of a child.
Donate today to give the gift of reading!

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