If you are sending just a few books, we suggest you use media U.S. Postal Service and send to Boaters for Books, Inc., P.O. Box 510685, Punta Gorda, FL 33951-0685. Email us and let us know when they were shipped.

If you are sending a case or more, we ask that you send them to our storage facility. Boaters for Books, c/o ANN ST. MINI STORAGE, 209 E. Ann Street, Punta Gorda 33950

If you are shipping the books, we suggest UPS or Fedex Ground. Both will deliver the books directly to our storage unit. Many donors have had some success in finding “shipping angels.” We encourage you to reach out in your community and find an “angel” who will help to defray the cost of carrying the books on this first leg toward the Caribbean. Tropical Shipping is donating shipping from Miami to the entire island chain.

Books can also be brought in person to Ann St. Mini Storage; our key is in the office. Sharon Dunn is the Manager of the facility. It is open from 8AM until 4PM; Saturday 8AM-NOON. Phone is 941.637.9311. Ann St. Storage is conveniently located behind the Punta Gorda Safety Complex (Fire and Police Departments) on U.S. 41 (Tammiami Trail) on Ann Street. The storage facility is painted beige with bright orange trim and doors.

Tips on Loading a Box

It is important that your box does not fall apart during shipping.

Start by stacking the books by size. Load from the four corners and to the top of the box. Use plenty of packaging tape. Fill all open spaces with packing material or crushed newspaper. Do not use popcorn.

If you have a problem finding an appropriate box, Barnes & Noble has been very gracious in giving our volunteers medium sized book boxes.

When you are ready to ship, please email us (books@boatersforbooks.org) a note to describe your shipment, where it was shipped (or taken) and the date it was shipped. We will track your shipment and all shipments will be acknowledged.

Thanks to you all! You are making a huge difference in the lives of these wonderful island children.

Kathy Oberle