Library seeks books for disadvantaged youth

The Sayreville Public Library, 1050 Washington Road, is collecting 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, 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 Sayreville Public Library through Dec. 15.

Checks for monetary contributions should be made payable to Libraries of Middlesex and mailed to Leah Wagner, Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza, Monroe Township, NJ 08831. Monetary donations also may be brought to the Sayreville Public Library.

For more information, call (732) 727-0212.

Books to Keep began in 1990 to promote the joy of reading, encourage library use and foster pride in book ownership. Distribution of books is done through service clubs and social-service agencies including daycare centers, soup kitchens, the Middlesex County Board of Social Services, Head Start programs and programs serving children with AIDS.

Since the program's inception, more than 140,000 books have been distributed in cooperation with 49 different agencies and organizations throughout the county.