International Book Project has been recognized by Greenstar for its contribution to expanding the world of learning, and IBP is now a Greenstar Premium Partner. This means that, when you visit the Greenstar website as you're doing now, and make a purchase, a portion of the proceeds will be paid to IBP.

Everybody wins. You get some extraordinary, unusual and thoughtful gifts to use for any occasion. IBP gains support for its important projects and Greenstar 's international projects, based in developing countries, also benefit.

So, who is Greenstar?

Greenstar is founded on a simple idea: that people, no matter where they live, have the same basic needs: for food, shelter, caring for their children and families, building their future, leading a life of learning, creativity and dignity. Where people in emerging nations don't enjoy the social and economic conditions to support these basic needs, all they need is the tools to grow by themselves, some assistance and startup resources.

And then they need everyone else to get out of the way.

Greenstar's concrete approach to delivering on this promise is also very simple: a self-contained, solar-powered, Web-connected community center. Including a medical clinic and telemedicine connections, a classroom, a commercial-grade photovoltaic solar power array, and a satellite dish for telecommunications.

Then, make it self-financing through ecommerce on the Internet.

We create a commercial website to market products from the village worldwide, and promote the site to nearly 200 million people who work, shop and learn on the Web every day. Allow them to connect with the people in the villages by email. The people in the village will decide for themselves how to use the income to improve their lives.

In a few months, a village can advance 1000 years, from a position where there is no electricity, no telephone or computer, no clean water, little medical or educational support, and little income, to a position where they are independent, growing, and connected to the world community.

A trial installation is underway on the West Bank, in a remote Palestinian village, with great success. To learn more, see http://www.greenstar.org/newsletter.htm

What do these people have to offer that you would be interested in as gifts, for your own home or office?

A surprising variety of beautiful and unique items -- from the historic Hebron area, which figures strongly in the scriptural events of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Gorgeous brassware; subtle glassware and ceramics; finely-formed pottery.

And their culture -- live music recorded recently in the village, with extraordinary Bedouin sounds from a tradition more than 5000 years old. You can get a free sample of this amazing music by clicking here.

We also developed a gallery of artwork produced by the children and adults of the community, which shows a startling clarity of vision, and fine artistic balance. These digital products can be downloaded direct to your computer, where within minutes you'll hear amazing music and see stunning artwork. Find out more by clicking here.

International Book Project

International Book Project sends needed quality books to remote locations including schools, churches, communities, and colleges in over 100 developing countries. In 1998, IBP shipped over 100,000 books -- more than 100 tons! Donors are matched with a foreign recipient who in turn sends a written thank you to the American donor establishing a global friendship.

The IBP Bookstore is in Lexington Kentucky (1440 Delaware Avenue, off Winchester Road). On the first and third Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to noon, they hold an open-house to come browse the local collection, and to personally donate books to the project.

Call 859-254-6771 for more information or to be added to newsletter mailings, or connect to the new website at http://www.intlbookproject.org/. Or you may send email requesting information to info@intlbookproject.org. You may also vist their local bookstore website.

Make a purchase here on the website. Or call, toll-free to 877-282-9900 to quickly receive a printed catalog by overnight mail (323-422-9602 outside the U.S. and Canada).

When you shop, enter the order code IBP into the Comments box on the order form.

That's all. Greenstar automatically pays 8% of your total purchase, including shipping, to the International Book Project. IBP uses the funds to support its important work.

Thank you, from Greenstar and the International Book Project.