KINGSTON, R.I. -- April 12, 2002 -- University of Rhode Island students who are members of the African Awareness Association and the men’s basketball team are holding a book drive to help create libraries in Ghana, Africa.

So far, the students have collected 500 science and technology textbooks and would like another 500 before packing them on April 23.

URI senior Babatunde Ologun of Pawtucket is familiar with the need for books in Africa. "My sister is a medical student in Nigeria. Not only is finding books tough, but they cost a great deal of money," he said.

Amy Timemo, a URI sophomore from Nigeria and member of the African Awareness Association, and URI basketball player Howard Smith of Killeen, Texas are both helping to spread the word.

The URI book drive is working with "Books for Africa," a non-profit charity located in Ohio. Founded in 1996, the organization has supplied 10 libraries throughout Ghana with books and computers. This year, it hopes to help nine additional communities establish libraries.

Donated books should be no more than 10 years old. Books should be in good condition, not torn, defaced or have pages missing.

The students are also looking for monetary contributions to ship the books from Rhode Island to Ohio where they will be sent to Ghana.

For more information, call Ologun at 874-0017 or e-mail
bolo5900@postoffice.uri.edu.

For Information: Jan Wenzel, 874-2116