FREE BOOKS. STRONGER FAMILIES. BRIGHTER FUTURES.text

Books Are GEMS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving El Paso, Fort Bliss, and Southern New Mexico. We inspire children and empower families through literacy—because every child deserves books of their own.

Each child who visits receives one new book and ten gently used books—FREE! Teachers receive free books and classroom resources, helping them inspire students without spending their own money.

Your donation also supports:

• Saturday Storytime: In-person and virtual reading adventures that bring children and families together.

• Legal Literacy for Kids: Books and activities that introduce voting, rights, fairness, and responsible citizenship.

• Health Literacy for Families: Bilingual, book-based lessons that help parents and children understand health topics and make * informed choices.

A Legacy of Love Founded in 2003, Books Are GEMS honors Gracie Elizabeth Madriles, who died at age 16. Her mother, teacher Paula Madriles, turned grief into generosity by providing books to children and educational resources to teachers. Today, Gracie’s love of books continues to open doors for our community.

Give today. Your generosity puts books into children’s hands, learning tools into classrooms, and opportunity into every family’s next chapter.