DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, WE ARE CURRENTLY 
ACCEPTING BOOK DONATIONS ON FRIDAYS ONLY!

Hours of Operation
During the Pandemic
Fridays
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
We are Closed on
​Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs & Saturdays!

​Storytime Saturdays is Now Virtual: 
We are on Zoom on Saturdays & Facebook Live @ 10:30 a.m. 
Beginning Saturday, July 18 -
Saturday October 3, 2020

Click to Join Zoom Storytime:

https://zoom.us/j/7088769805

Meeting ID: 708 876 9805
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/booksaregems
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Who is Books are GEMS?

Click on our video below to learn more about Books are GEMS.

Changes to Our Programs, Because of the Pandemic! We Will Continue to Provide Free Books for Children! Please read the information below!
Correction to email: contact@booksaregems.org

Grab a Free "Bag of Books" on Fridays Only!
Pick up Your "Story Time Book" 
​on Fridays Only!

How Books are GEMS began:
A Love Story

Sixteen (16) Years Later
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

Our Current Program Changes! Children Cannot Go Inside the Bookstore to Select Books, We Will Provide Each Child With a Bag of Books by Grade Level & Gender!

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 Bag of Books for Each of Your Children!

Our Calendar

Our Location

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Books are GEMS

Phone:
(915) 845-5437

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

Trouble finding us?

Books Are GEMS is located on the right side / back half
of the BBVA Compass Bank building. -->

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