Books appropriate for children in Pre-K through third grade can be donated beginning Sept. 30, 2015.

Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Submitted by Christine Looby, Rotary Club of West Hartford

The Rotary Club of West Hartford, in collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and the Hartford Jewish Coalition for Literacy, is now accepting the donation of children’s books for academically at-risk students in Bloomfield, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, and West Hartford. The drive will run through Monday, Oct. 26.

“Studies show that close to 50 percent of third-grade students in Hartford and several surrounding urban school districts are unable to read at grade level. This is due in large part to the fact that, in low-income neighborhoods, there is an average of one book for every 300 children. Meanwhile, in middle income neighborhoods, there is an average of 13 books per child! In an effort to bridge that gap, for the second year in a row, the West Hartford Rotary has teamed up with the Hartford Jewish Coalition for Literacy to coordinate a book drive in conjunction with the HJCL’s October reading mentor program.  Last year, close to 2000 books were donated, and we have a goal of 10,000 book donations in 2015,” said Rotarian Bennett Forrest of West Hartford.

Books may be dropped off at the following West Hartford locations: Keller Williams Realty at 29 South Main St., Hall High School at 975 North Main St., Temple Beth El at 2626 Albany Ave., or the Mandell JCC at 335 Bloomfield Ave.

Books must be in good condition, appropriate for children in PreK-third grade. Those interested in providing new books should purchase one or more from the list athttp://whbookdrive.wordpress.com. Damaged books, toy or sticker books will not be accepted.

For more information, contact Bennett Forest at 860.977.3176 or visit the Children’s Book Drive Facebook page at http://facebook.com/whbookdrive.