30th Anniversary of Book Drive at UMaine to Help Young Readers
Contact: Theresa McMannus, (207) 581-2441
ORONO — The University of Maine College of Education and Human Development is again joining the Old Town-Orono Kiwanis Club in an effort to collect books for area youngsters, through their 30th anniversary book drive.
Members of the public are invited to join in the tradition by donating new books suitable for toddlers to teens.
Former College of Education & Human Development Dean Robert Cobb established the collection effort 30 years ago, and current Dean Anne Pooler says the college is committed to carrying on the tradition.
“We are committed to helping students discover the joy of reading,” she says.
Since its early days, the community book drive has made thousands of books available to deserving area children. The college takes the lead in collecting the books, and Kiwanis Club members distribute them at the service organization’s annual holiday party for area children.
As part of the tradition, children from the campus Child Study Center also collect books for the drive. This year, the children will deliver books they have collected on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. Their annual visit with the college dean usually includes reading a fun children’s book, caroling, and a simple conversation about the gift of giving.
Additionally, the UMaine Bookstore in the Memorial Union again is joining the college to boost the number of books collected and children served. The Bookstore started collecting books for the drive on Nov. 12. During Children’s Book Week, Nov. 12-17, children’s books will be 25 percent off, and the Bookstore will contribute a book of equal value for each book purchased there for the children’s book drive.
Books may be brought to the College of Education and Human Development at Shibles Hall at UMaine, through Friday noon, Dec. 7. For information, call Theresa McMannus at 581-2441.