Library seeks books for disadvantaged children

The Monroe Township Library, 4 Municipal Plaza, is seeking donations of new hardcover and paperback books for distribution to disadvantaged children throughout Middlesex County during the holiday season. The program, called Books to Keep, and is a project of the Libraries of Middlesex, a consortium of public libraries, and the Middlesex County College Library, Edison.

New hardcover and paperback books suitable for children from preschool through adolescence may be brought to the library through Dec. 15. In addition, funds are needed to purchase additional books for distribution. Checks should be made payable to Libraries of Middlesex and mailed to Leah Wagner, Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza, Monroe Township, NJ 08831.

Books to Keep was started in 1990 to promote the joy of reading, encourage library use and foster pride in book ownership. Distribution of books will be done through service clubs and social-service agencies, including day care centers, soup kitchens and Head Start programs.

Since the inception of the Books to Keep program, more than 140,000 books have been distributed in cooperation with 49 different agencies and organizations throughout Middlesex County.