User:Dbaplan/Darien Book Aid Plan

The Book Aid Plan located in Darien, CT is an all volunteer organization aiming "to promote peace, understanding and friendship by the free distribution of books."

Darin Book Aid Plan was founded in May of 1949 by Mrs. Lamont of Darien when she learned that books from the Communist countries were being used to replace books burned during the Hitler era in German. She though that Americans should send books from the United States. With the help of Ambassador John Davis Lodge and the generous contributions of Darien residents, Darien Book Aid Plan was formed.

The women first worked in the old Hindley School building. Then they moved to a room in the old Royle School. Later, the old Noroton Post office became available. Another move was made to the building next to St. John’s Church. Then in 1959, the women were able to buy and move into the present building at 1926 Post Road – the old Noroton Fire House.

The Red Cross, the Kiwanis Club, and local school children helped to collect books. When the Peace Corps was formed, the government paid the postage to Washington, D.C. and then flew the shipments to the volunteers, but now Darien Book Aid Plan pays the postage for all of their shipments and they have no government or other organization affiliations.

Although Book Aid started as a women’s volunteer group, the men were invited to join in 1986. Eight men from the Darien Men’s club came to work. They had a little trouble fitting in with the women’s rules and regulations. But soon they became so enthusiastic that they started to work at 9 am instead of 10. They were a great asset.

The four boxes shipped in 1949 are now 20-30 boxes shipped each week – around 16-20 tons each year shipped to 190 countries and all 50 of the United States.

