- http://www.ourmidland.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18226185&BRD=2289&PAG=461&dept_id=472542&rfi=6 Professor inspires students to collect books for Nepal Jim Johnson enjoyed seeing the Himalayas and jungles in Nepal, but the most important thing he witnessed might have been the need for books in the civil war-torn nation. After traveling to the landlocked Asian country in March, the Auburn attorney spoke to his class at Saginaw Valley State University about the experience, inspiring some of his students to begin a book drive. During his two weeks in Nepal, Johnson hired a political science student to guide him and act as a translator. He said the student pointed to the need for books in the country. "Some of the greatest needs the country has are books and literacy products," Johnson said. "Little goes their way in terms of support from countries that could really make a difference." Johnson said Nepal fascinates him because it is going through a process of creating a new government. The country has been in a state of flux for about 11 years, with a Maoist uprising challenging the monarchy's credibility. Now the country is "a great little laboratory" for political science buffs because it is wrestling with what its constitution should look like, deciding how to structure its government and planning its first legitimate election for June, Johnson said. He hopes to make it back to Nepal to see that process. During his time there Johnson learned about the people of Nepal, who he described as peaceful and hesitant to ask for anything. The country is mostly Hindu and part Buddhist. "They live side by side incredibly peaceful -- something we can't even pull off in this country," he said. It takes time to adjust back to life in the United State after experiencing other cultures. "I've never been to one that's stuck with me to this degree," Johnson said. Johnson's story inspired his students Kelly Salomone and Emilee Bruner, both members of Phi Sigma Sigma at SVSU, to help with a book drive for Nepal. Cassie Hare, from the Organization for Progressive Politics, also worked on organizing the collection. "The part that touched us the most was when he told us they never once asked him for money ... they only asked for books," Salomone said. Salomone said people can bring books to a presentation Johnson is giving at 7 p.m. Thursday at Ott Auditorium at SVSU. "We are looking for textbooks -- new and used, any condition -- to fill their college library," she said. "But we are also taking any kind of other book donations and also monetary donations to buy more books and help pay for shipping and handling of the books to Nepal." There also is a donation box set up at the SVSU Student Life Office, or books can be dropped off at Johnson's law office at 301 W. Midland St. in Auburn.