A Book Aid Charity generously supported by the Rotary Clubs of NSW

BACKGROUND

Ranfurly Book Aid, formerly The Ranfurly Library Service, was established in Australia, with the assistance of the Rotary Club of Sydney, in 1986.

When Lord Ranfurly was Governor of the Bahamas in 1954, his young wife was appalled to find that many people on the islands had lapsed into illiteracy (after having learned to read at school) simply because they had no books. She appealed to friends in England for help and received a generous response. With gifts of books she was able to ensure the future literacy of the young people. After their tour of duty had ended, Lord & Lady Ranfurly extended the valuable work they had done in the Bahamas by organising the supply of books to Commonwealth countries in Africa.

The Australian Ranfurly Library Service was quite independent of its British counterpart, but adopted identical objectives. Books are donated by schools, libraries & individuals. They are sorted & then shipped to needy schools & communities in PNG & the SW Pacific region. In many of these areas English is a second language or sometimes even a third. Children are often at Primary School until the age of 15 & few go on to High School.

CURRENT BOOK REQUIREMENTS

All books must be in English. We have no demand for any foreign language texts.

Infants/primary level –
This is our biggest area of need. Simple & well illustrated books in good condition are in great demand.

Secondary level –
Early secondary levels only. Simple Science, Maths, English & Geography text books as well as novels suitable for young readers. NO HSC level texts.

Adult –
There is currently little demand for adult books but we always send one or two boxes with each shipment so small numbers of good quality fiction & non-fiction are welcome. Large type books are useful.

Encyclopaedias –
Again, little demand except for simple illustrated encyclopaedias. Students in many places can now get up to date information via the Internet. Anything older than 20 years is not acceptable.

National Geographic & Australian Geographic magazines –
Small numbers are sent with each shipment but, again, nothing over 20 years old please.

Dictionaries –
Always welcome, particularly the simpler editions.

Atlases –
Recently published world (not Australian) atlases are always useful.

Because we now have to pay to recycle unsuitable books we do not need & will not use –
- Non-English language books
- HSC level texts
- Old multi-volume heavy encyclopaedias
- Readers Digest Condensed books
- Australian content books except animals, birds etc
- Tourist guide books
- Law books, Government reports & Commerce/Economics text books
- Records, audio & video cassettes, CDs, DVDs & colour slides
- Gardening & cookery books

We greatly appreciate books being sorted before delivery with unsuitable books discarded, as well as the books being in easy to lift boxes.

CONTACTS

If in any doubt about the suitability of a book or for delivery enquiries, especially in the case of large consignments, please contact either -

Barry Moscrop:
Phone: (02) 9692 8460
Mobile: 0414 876 237 
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A. David Brawn - Secretary:
Phone: (02) 9499 5530
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Richmond Manyweathers:
Phone: (02) 9524 4827
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Our depot is Blg 501, Old Rozelle Hospital off Glover Street, Lilyfield NSW 2040
We are there every Thursday from about 8.30am until 1.30-2pm. Small numbers of cartons can be safely left on the loading dock outside these hours.

Tax deductible donations to cover shipping costs are always most welcome. Cheques can be posted to Ranfurly Book Aid, PO Box 1159, Rozelle, NSW 2039.