Annual Children’s Book Drive Gears Up

Contact: Kay Hyatt at (207) 581-2761

ORONO, Maine — The University of Maine College of Education and Human Development, in partnership with the Old Town-Orono Kiwanis Club, has launched the 27th annual drive to collect books for needy youngsters. The public is invited to join in the tradition by donating new books suitable for toddlers to teens.

Established by College Dean Robert Cobb, the community book collection has made thousands of books available to deserving area children.  The College takes the lead in collecting the books, and Club members distribute them at the service organization’s annual holiday party for area children.

Books, gift wrapped if possible and marked for a particular age level, may be brought to Cobb’s office, 151 Shibles Hall, through Friday noon, Dec. 3.

The UMaine Bookstore in Memorial Union is again joining the College to boost the number of books collected and children served. The Bookstore will be collecting books for the drive starting November 15.  For every book purchased for the drive, the Bookstore will contribute a book of equal value.  Children’s books will be 25 percent off during Children’s Book Week, Nov. 15-20.