Hello Phi Theta Kappa!

I just wanted to share a little of a fabulous day I had on Monday, September 15. I was invited to the Better World Books Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. I was able to talk to the staff about what we do at Phi Theta Kappa and they were able to tell me about the process of what they do. They were so excited and asked so many great questions about Phi Theta Kappa. They were really impressed with the levels of leadership throughout the Society as well as the level of involvement.

They also taught me a bit about Better World Books. Did you know that you can research the literacy programs they work with and designate where you’d like your chapter’s donations to go? I didn’t! I also didn’t know that if you reach the goal of 1000 accepted books, you can earn an additional $0.25 on your book for a total of up to $1.25 per book? I didn’t know that Better World Books never throws a book away. The books you collect will never end up in a landfill. In fact, to date 6500 tons have been diverted from landfills! Better World Books is having an Operation Green impact as well!

I hope you’ll keep this great organization in mind for projects this year. After all, Better World Books can help you create a great Honors in Action project — if you relate your book collection to The Paradox of Affluence to help potential donors understand the importance of promoting literacy around the world and also do the research about where you would like your books to go (Scholarship Hallmark), then take the lead to organize the book drive (Leadership Hallmark), and serve the community giving the books and the communities receiving the books and help minimize landfill space needed (Service Hallmark). One Better World Books employee suggested having a “Packing Party” to pack up all the books collected, enhancing the Fellowship Hallmark!

How lucky are we to be able to partner with such amazing groups? They even gave me a t-shirt to wear!

Pictured: [Top Row - Left to Right] Harry Joll, Christian Blue, Aaron King, Jacob Fu [Middle Row - Left to Right] Kim Emery, Vivian Reid, Ayanna Grady, Roselle Agner, Courtney Griffin, Will Eaton, Jozi Hall [Bottom Row - Left to Right] Ina Claggette, Dustin Holland, Angela Williams

What are some of the fun and crazy things you do at your workplace?

1. Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips.  If you’ve ever wondered what happened to Zeus and the gang from Mt. Olympus , this book is a must read.  In addition to being very clever, it’s wicked funny.
2. Hell to Pay by George Pelecanos.  Gritty, smart, edgy.  One of the best pieces of detective fiction I’ve read in awhile.
3. Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy O’Toole.  This might be one of the funniest books I’ve ever read.  Take that, intellectual elitists.
4. White Noise by Don DeLillo.  Another smart, funny ready.  If you’ve ever experienced an airborne toxic event, had a twenty minute conversation about what rain is, or thought about death, this book is for you.
5. Dubliners by James Joyce.  Simply amazing.  I think I might have to go back and read all of the books that were assigned to me in high school and college that I didn’t read.
6. Middlesex by Jeffrey Euginides.  Lovely, romantic, and incredibly creepy all at once.  And I’ve loved every word of it. 
   

While speaking with clients I am constantly blindsided with questions such as “what goes on at the warehouse, about how many books are stored in your warehouse”, etc… the list goes on! Before my trip to Mishawaka, I would inform clients that (unfortunately) I had never visited the Better World Books warehouse. So the actual process of picking, shipping, and receiving books was a total blur.  However, since I have actually worked hands-on at the warehouse, I am very comfortable with answering questions about how the work is carried out.  Everyone at the warehouse was friendly and very patient with us newbies (a.k.a the Atlanta office). Also, the Trade Show was awesome!  Everyone received the opportunity to share great facts and ideas about each department. After learning this information, I am able to implement this knowledge into my daily Account Rep. responsibilities. When you know better, you do better!

Let me not forget to mention my community service project! I was able to work with the Literacy Council of St. Joseph County shelving books and toys for kids all around.  This organization is dedicated to breaking the cycle of illiteracy amongst adults and children.  Both this organization and Better World Books hold a lot in common, which is why it was so important to volunteer for this organization and demonstrate my appreciation for their hard work by devoting my time to assist them in any way possible.

Since the field trip to the warehouse, I feel more well-rounded as an employee of Better World Books and as an individual. I can’t wait to see you guys again!!  Woohoo!

Roselle – Smart Women Finish Rich (by David Bach, video interview with DB coming soon!)
Erin – Hell to Pay & Soul Circus & American Gods & Good Omens
Lora – Manner of Death & 11 on Top & Thr3e & The Good Guy & The Taking (overachiever!)
Jozi – Emotional Intelligence & Christine & The Enchantress of Florence & She Got Up Off the Couch
Courtney – The Five Love Languages
Angela – The Last Juror
Will – Black Voices
Ayanna – Shattered Trust & Rich Dad, Poor Dad & Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
[Library Team member] – Think and Grow Rich & No Plot, No Problem