From Donated Books to Deployed Service Members: A Friends of the Library Passion Project

Sometimes all it takes is a small advertisement to spark something meaningful.

For Angelika Wieling, a dedicated member of the Friends of the Yountville Library, that spark came from a tiny ad she spotted in a magazine. The advertisement was for Operation Paperback, a nonprofit organization that connects volunteers with active-duty military members who would enjoy receiving books. It was easy to miss, tucked among the pages, but something about it caught her attention. She immediately saw an opportunity to connect two things she cared deeply about: supporting service members and giving donated books a second life.

As a Friends of the Library volunteer, Angelika regularly sees the steady stream of donated books that come through the organization. Many of those books are in excellent condition and looking for new readers. The Operation Paperback program offered the perfect match.

Inspired by the idea, Angelika enlisted the help of fellow Friends volunteer Jim Young. Together, they began sorting, selecting, packing, and shipping books to active-duty military personnel across the United States and around the world.

What started as a simple idea has grown into a meaningful monthly commitment.

Through Operation Paperback, volunteers receive requests from service members who share the genres and subjects they enjoy reading. The requests are as varied as the individuals who make them. Some military members ask for suspense thrillers, westerns, humor, or true crime. Others seek fantasy, science fiction, mystery, romance, graphic novels, business books, leadership titles, health and fitness resources, philosophy, or even puzzle books.

One recent list of requests included troops looking for:

• Action and adventure novels
• Mystery and suspense thrillers
• Fantasy and science fiction
• Contemporary and historical fiction
• Romance and romantasy
• True crime and westerns
• Business, economics, and leadership books
• Health, fitness, and personal growth titles
• Graphic novels and comics
• Puzzle books and audiobooks

For Angelika and Jim, matching books with readers has become one of the most rewarding parts of the project. Every shipment is carefully assembled based on a service member's interests, turning donated books into personal gifts that provide entertainment, comfort, and a connection to home.

Books may seem like simple items, but for military members serving far from family and friends, they can offer a welcome escape, inspiration, and companionship during long hours away from home.

The project is also a wonderful example of how community generosity can create unexpected opportunities. Donations made by local residents continue their journey far beyond library book sales, finding their way into the hands of readers who genuinely appreciate them.

Community members can support these efforts by donating or purchasing gently used books through the Friends of the Yountville Library. Donated books help fund library programs and services, while some also find their way into special projects such as Operation Paperback. Gently used books are available year-round on the ongoing book sale shelves located in the Yountville Community Center, open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Every donation and every purchase helps support the library and the Friends' community outreach activities.

Thanks to Angelika's keen eye, a small magazine advertisement became a big opportunity to make a difference. With Jim Young's help and the ongoing support of donated books from the community, this Friends of the Library passion project continues to deliver stories, knowledge, and a reminder that people back home are thinking about those who serve.

One box at a time, they're helping turn donated books into meaningful connections.

Learn more about Operation Paperback and the Friends of the Yountville Library.