MISSION

Books Are GEMS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Bookstore & Organization, whose mission is to Improve Literacy rates in our Region by inspiring children and empowering families by Providing Free Books to children, families and teachers. We serve families in El Paso & Ft. Bliss, TX and Southern New Mexico. We Provide “Free Books!” to every Child from Toddler to High School that visits our storefront every week!

VISION

Our vision is simple yet powerful: a book in the hand of every child in our community—changing lives one book at a time. By making books accessible to all children and their parents, we help increase literacy, fluency, and comprehension for both generations. We believe every child deserves the joy and pride of owning books!

Every child who visits the bookstore receives Free “One New Book and Ten Gently Used Books!”

Every teacher who visits may receive Free 25 new books and unlimited teacher resources.

We believe teachers should have the materials they need to inspire young minds—without having to spend their personal funds. Your contribution helps provide free books and classroom resources such as charts, flash cards, workbooks, notebooks, and other essential learning tools.

We also host in person and Virtual Storytime every Saturday! The first 25 families who visit the bookstore each week receive additional new storybooks that are featured during Saturday Storytime. Children follow along and grow as readers—while parents with limited English have shared that they, too, gain confidence reading in English alongside their children.

Our newest series, Legal Literacy for Children, helps children learn to read while introducing them to the importance of voting, social justice, and becoming engaged, responsible community citizens.

Your contributions help children learn to read, become stronger students, and grow into productive, civic-minded adults!

OUR LEGACY

Books Are GEMS is the story of 16-year-old Gracie Elizabeth Madriles (GEM), her mother Paula, and their love of books.

It begins with an ending. The passing of Gracie in a car accident on September 21, 2002. It is the catalyst for the creation of Books Are GEMS - Paula Madriles’ Labor of love.

After Gracie’s death, Paula received food, flowers and monetary donations from family and friends. As a teacher working in South El Paso - she understood the hardships her students faced. And she knew that families and teachers lacked resources for simple pleasures - specifically books.

During her mourning, Paula chose to honor her daughter’s spirit of love and generosity by enriching the lives of others through books. She spent the donations at yard sales and thrift stores, buying books and educational materials to give to teachers and students.

Paula’s devotion and vision inspired many individuals and organizations to support her mission. In 2003, Books Are GEMS became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization - providing free books to children and educational resources to teachers – ensuring that Gracie’s legacy lives on.