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

Celebrating Women's History Month & Dr Seuss Birthday!

Picture
Picture
Picture

Saturday Story Time 
on 

Saturday March 25, 2023
@ 10:30 a.m.
Scroll down for Zoom link to Story time


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!


Meet this week's Storytime Reader:

Picture
Deb Rodriguez

Deb Rodriguez, Ms. Deb, was eight years old when she knew she wanted to be a teacher. It took many, many years for her to finally achieve her goal. She graduated from UTEP in 2009 and taught Special Education classes until she retired in 2021. In the meantime, she volunteered with Girl Scouts, Junior Achievement, and became the first woman president of a Lions Club in El Paso. “Once upon a time there was a little girl who wanted to be a teacher. That girl was me. The end.”
      Now she volunteers at Valley Food Pantry and several other organizations, including Books Are GEMs. She enjoys reading stories, using technology software, with her granddaughter, Mikaela, who lives far away.  If she finds the time, she likes to travel. She is always helping others and reminds everyone to be kind to one another.






** Free!**
The first 50 families to come to the bookstore will receive Free Storybooks that will be read on Saturday!

Picture

FREE - Activity Sheets for You to Download!


Picture
Virtual Storytime Saturdays

Books are Gems is inviting you to
Storytime Saturdays scheduled Zoom meetings.

Books Are Gems  StoryTime Saturday via  Zoom 
Each Saturday @ 10:30 a.m.

Join Zoom Meeting, Click the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/7088769805

Passcode: "Books"

If the Link Does not Work, Copy & Paste on your Browser Search.
You May also login to Zoom.us and enter the
​Meeting I.D. 708 876 9805
Password: BOOKS
​
Meeting ID: 708 876 9805

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



MEET OUR NEW BOARD MEMBER
​TOMAS PORRAS ACOSTA
Sharing his story about Books are Gems!

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


How Books are GEMS began:
A Love Story


Picture

Eighteen (18) Years Later
Picture
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
Picture
Picture

Picture

Our Location


Books are GEMS

Phone:
(915) 845-5437

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


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

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

Proudly powered by Weebly