Wanted: New, Used Books for Peekskill Youngsters

The 12th annual Peekskill Reads book drive is just around the corner.

Here's a letter to the editor from Deputy Mayor Drew Claxton about the upcoming event:

Peekskill Reads is holding its 13th annual book drive from September 20 through October 25.  

The Peekskill Reads book drive is a community event aimed at getting books into the homes of our younger children. Residents donate new or used books appropriate for children 12 years or younger. These books are then given to children, at no cost, during an open, public event. The event, “Men Who Read to Children," will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Field Children’s Library in Peekskill. 

All research shows that early intervention is the key to children attaining good reading habits and children who have books in their homes are far more likely to read.  

Residents and local businesses have been extremely generous in the past, donating over 1,000 books to each of Peekskill Reads’ book drives. We are hoping to match or exceed that number this year.  

To donate new or used books, simply drop the books at the following the Field Library’s Childrens Library at 3 Nelson Ave. or the BeanRunner Café’s Children’s Playroom at 201 S. Division Street, Peekskill.  

Peekskill Reads is a community-based organization that actively supports comprehensive, community-based literacy programs and the education of Peekskill's children. The only requirement for membership is a desire to actively volunteer in supporting literacy and education in Peekskill.