MLK Day Book Drive to Help Public School Libraries

Did you know that many Bay Area public elementary schools don't have libraries, or the funds to purchase new books for students?

The Jewish Coalition for Literacy is asking for donations of books for underserved public schools and struggling young readers throughout the Peninsula.

Please donate a new or gently used book, appropriate for students in kindergarten through third grades.

• Books should be new or in good condition; please no missing covers, ripped pages, scribbles, etc.
• Books should be appropriate for children ages five to nine. Harry Potter is great, but the kids served are still too young.
• The books should be of universal appeal and appropriateness. Books on religion, health and hygiene, and other topics that are of a private nature are best left out.

Books donated will be collected, processed and readied for delivery to public schools by volunteers at Congregation Beth Jacob as part of the North Peninsula Multifaith Day of Service on Jan. 21, 2013 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day).  Check out www.interfaithfriendship.org for more details.

Books can be dropped off before Jan. 21 at Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas in Redwood City.

The Jewish Coalition for Literacy fosters literacy among disadvantaged children by recruiting, training, placing and supporting volunteer tutors in public elementary schools and after-school programs throughout the Bay Area.