Jersey City Free Books is assisting two community groups in the Philippines. The Marawi Project serves the rural south through a mobile public library and a reading room. The other is Pag-Asa Island (Hope Island) School Palawan. The isolated location, a municipality of the Kalayaan group, is 38 hours by boat from the main island, 3 hours by prop. plane. The 200 residents have no Internet access.

China’s recent territorial claims in the South China Sea directly affect the people of Pag-Asa Island.

If anyone has children’s books to donate, that will be a huge help. Sports equipment — baseball, volleyball, etc. — is also greatly appreciated. Please bring items to Jersey City Free Books at 297 Griffith St., Jersey City, NJ 07307. Hours are posted at the Main Page.