Launched in 1988 to capitalize on the ESU's expansion into more than 50 countries, Books As Envoys provides the opportunity for English-speaking people to connect across the globe.

Through "Envoys" American Branches underwrite the cost of sending sets of titles that receive the Ambassador Award annually to their International Twins.

The books serve a variety of uses. For example, the ESUs in Tokyo and Munich allow the books to be borrowed by ESU members before they are donated to the American Studies sections of the public library. The waiting list for the books among the members of each of these ESUs is always very long.

In 2002, twenty-eight American Branches had the opportunity to help share this wealth of knowledge with 34 international ESUs, as well as make other meaningful connections.