By the age of 104, most people would have had their fill of birthday presents. But Betty X. Davis isn’t most people.

As her birthday approached in November, Davis sent out a call for presents – but not for herself. Rather, she sought donations of children’s books that she in turn donated to the library at Tom Green Elementary.

Davis visited the school Friday, bringing along wagons full of books and plenty of enthusiasm for the young children.

She queried them about their schooling...