Melaney Smith – Books For Keeps
In 2009, Melaney Smith heard about a little girl who was not looking forward to summer. The reason? This second-grader loved to read, but had no books at home. Melaney asked around and learned that there were many children in the same situation. In asking the question, “Why doesn’t somebody do something about this?” she realized, “I am somebody. I can do something.” Books for Keeps was launched from that point as a grassroots effort, and has since morphed into a research-based nonprofit dedicated to ending "summer slide." It was all built around Melaney’s realization that she not only had the power to get books into children’s hands, but also to recruit the best people to help her do it.Since 2009, Books for Keeps (BFK) has given more than 260,000 books to children from low-income families in grades Pre-K through 12. For 11 months of the year, they collect, inspect, sort, and box books, only to give them all away each May. Books they can’t use are sold at their annual BFK Book Sale each August.

In 2012, Melaney was named one of the “Exceptionals” by the Athens Banner-Herald, having been nominated for her work to end summer slide in Athens. In 2015, Melaney was named one of 10 Women of Worth by L’Oreal Paris in their 10th annual program recognizing women for making an impact on their communities. After serving as acting executive director during the organization’s early years, Melaney transitioned into the role of (very active) volunteer. She currently works full-time as director of prospect management and analytics for the UGA Terry College of Business, and lives in Athens with her husband, Bayne, and two cats.
If you would like to get involved, Please consider joining them, by volunteering, donating books, donating funds, becoming a sponsor, hosting a book drive, or just spreading the word. Your contributions could make a difference in the life of a child.