Deliver Books to Troops

The Friends of the Newburgh Free Library Partner with Operation Paperback

The Friends of the Newburgh Free Library are teaming up with another non-profit organization, Operation Paperback, to distribute books to active-duty military troops and veterans. Troops all across the globe have been the recipients of more than 3.5 million books delivered through Operation Paperback.

The goal of the endeavor is to support those who are serving in the military by providing reading material for escape and relaxation. Beginning this January, the Friends of the Newburgh Free Library has sent more than 20 boxes containing 30 books each to military bases across the country. The books are drawn from excess, duplicate and unsold book donations from the Friends’ sale-by-donation book store, Back Door Books.

Pennsylvania-based Operation Paperback was founded in 1999 by the late Dan M. Bowers, and his daughter Chrissy Honeywell, now serves as president and chief executive. “We provide mental and emotional escape to folks who are sometimes in very difficult circumstances, including deployed troops, housebound veterans, military personnel suffering from PTSD, etc.,” she explains. “A book can be educational, a book can be comforting and inspiring, and a book can just mentally take you away for a bit so that you can return to your life refreshed.”

The Friends are seeking donations to support the effort. While it costs $25 to send the boxes, any donation amount is accepted.

Checks can be made out to:

“Friends of the Newburgh Free Library”

And can be dropped off at the library or mailed to:

Friends of the Newburgh Free Library, 124 Grand St Newburgh, NY 12550