What kind of products do you sell?

GoneReading sells hundreds of products for people who love to read, including book lights, book journals, book bookmarks, bookplates, games about books, reading shirts and more.  Check out the menu to the right to browse our complete catalog!

What’s the difference between “GoneReading” and “Gone Reading International, LLC”

GoneReading® is the trade name for the original products we market to the world.  Gone Reading International, LLC is the corporate entity that owns and markets the GoneReading brand, and has undertaken our philanthropic mission.  Admittedly, we do sometimes use the terms interchangeably!

Does Gone Reading International have a “vision” or “mission statement”?

We sure do!  Here’s the formal statement:

“We envision a world where everyone has the opportunity to better themselves through the open pursuit of the dreams and ideals of their choosing.  We envision a world where such opportunity exists for everyone, regardless of their country of origin or locale.  Our mission is to bring the world closer to this vision by helping to ensure that everyone has open access to the reading materials they want and need.  We accomplish this mission by providing new funds for libraries around the world.”

Why support reading?

GoneReading supports reading because it is a primary tool of self-empowerment and improvement.  When people have the ability to read a broad spectrum of materials, life changes for the better.  Even in the poorest regions of the world, savings increase, crop yields grow, health improves, and new businesses prosper.  Options increase and life gets better for everyone.  The benefits of reading are not a zero-sum game: More is always better.

Where and when was Gone Reading International founded?

Gone Reading International, LLC was founded in the State of Maryland (USA) in April of 2011, as you can see in our Filed Articles of Organization.

I’ve heard GoneReading donates 100% of its profits.  Can you explain that further?

Absolutely!  To fulfill our philanthropic mission, Gone Reading International donates 100% of its after-tax profit to fund new reading libraries and and other literacy programs around the world.  This means that each year we donate a sum equal to or greater than our total revenues minus our total expenses, including any taxes paid.  We donate these profits to non-profit organizations with proven models and long-term track records of success in building village libraries in the developing world.

Right, but maybe you’re a top-heavy organization that wastes all of its “profit” on overhead and salaries?

Nothing could be further from the truth!  In fact, our staff is 100% voluntary without any compensation to date.  Owners Brad & Eileen Wirz have received no compensation from Gone Reading International.

Who receives the funds donated by Gone Reading International?

So far we have designated two such organizations to receive our donations:  READ Global and Ethiopia Reads.  We’ve worked hard to get to know their methodologies and track records, and believe them completely worthy of our funding.

Does Gone Reading International have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS?

No, 501(c)(3) status is for organizations that collect charitable donations, which we do not.  Also, it would add to our costs, thereby reducing our charitable donations paid out each year:

• 501(c)(3) status with the IRS was designed to aid organizations that collect charitable donations. 501(c)(3) status will typically eliminate taxes paid on donations collected, and also enable such organizations to issue tax-deductible receipts to their donors.  Because Gone Reading International does not accept charitable donations, 501(c)(3) status simply doesn’t apply to us.  Because our revenue is earned solely through the sale of goods (what the IRS calls “unrelated business income”), our taxes would remain the same even with 501(c)(3) status!

• 501(c)(3) status would also add to our costs, thereby reducing our charitable donations paid out each year.  Obtaining and maintaining 501(c)(3) status with the IRS can cost several thousand dollars each year, in addition to hidden administrative costs.

I’m interested in volunteering with Gone Reading International.  How can I get involved?

Fantastic!  Our volunteer needs vary significantly over time, so send us an email via the form on the Contact Us page and we will let you know of any current opportunities.

Still have questions?

Stroll on over to our Contact Us page and send us a note!