Books, books and more books. That’s what Ryan Phillips would like to see piled up at his house.

Phillips, a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 223, is working on his Eagle Scout project. He is collecting books to send to Africa.

“My goal is 3,000 books,” he says. He has already collected more than 500.

Phillips says he will accept any kind of books, including textbooks, children’s books, fiction or nonfiction.

“Hardbound or softcover,” he says. “It doesn’t matter.”

Phillip will be collecting books through April 21. They can be left at the following locations: Southern Pines Public Library and First Baptist Church, in Southern Pines, Union Pines High School, the U.S. Post Office, in Aberdeen, Food Lion, in Carthage, and The Fresh Market.

There will be a cost involved in shipping all of the books as well. Those who would like to make a monetary donation may send it to Ryan Phillips, Book Drive, 4025 Airport Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.

Phillips is in the 10th grade at Union Pines High School, where he plays the trumpet in the marching band. He is the son of Pamela and Texas Phillips, of Pinehurst. His troop leader is Barry Leonard.

“I was trying to think of a project that hadn’t been done locally,” Phillips says.

For further information, call (910) 638-9313 or e-mail weatherman4025@yahoo.com.