The total value of the books donated were $3,800, up from $2,336 for 2004. They were given to the Office on Youth, Staunton Public Library, Augusta County Public Library, Waynesboro High School Library, and Waynesboro Public Library.

Shown above: Barbara Davis accepting book donations on behalf of Berkeley Glenn Elementary School. Mrs. Davis also generously donated her time and efforts at Book 'Em 2004 and 2005.

And then checks were given to five organizations: the Shenandoah Valley Reading Council, Friends of the Library of Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro, and the Central Shenandoah Crime Stoppers. Shown above is Fred Schultz, the President of the Waynesboro Friends of the Library.

 

All of the money raised at Book 'Em goes toward increasing literacy, decreasing crime, solving crimes, and raising public awareness of the link that exists between high illiteracy rates and high crime rates.

Shown above: author Elizabeth Tidwell, whose debut book, Memories Will Always Linger, was a top-seller at Book 'Em 2005.

Above: Diantha McCauley represented the Augusta County Friends of the Library in accepting a cash donation from the Book 'Em Foundation. Ms. McCauley is the Assistant Director of the Augusta County Library.

Shown above is Bob Anderson, author of Africa, who was honored at the Book 'Em 2005 Press Conferences for his best-selling book and efforts on behalf of Book 'Em.

The top five best-selling authors at Book 'Em were:

The husband and wife team of Joseph Anthony and Cris Arbo;

Number 2 was Bob Anderson;

Number 3 was Elizabeth Tidwell;

Number 4 was Ruth Graham;

And Number 5 was Elizabeth Massie.