Children's Books Sought At West Hartford Book Drive

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The Connecticut Education Foundation is inviting West Hartford families to donate new or gently used children’s books during a community drive at Blue Back Square later this month.

The “Read Across Connecticut Blue Back Book Drive” will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the West Hartford shopping and dining district, 65 Memorial Road.

Organizers are collecting books appropriate for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Adult books will not be accepted.

Donated books will be distributed to Little Free Libraries locations across Connecticut to encourage children to read.

The foundation is partnering with iHeartMedia and Blue Back Square to host family-friendly activities during the drive.

Amanda Jo, an on-air personality from Country 92.5, will provide live music and giveaways.

The event will also feature children’s craft activities and a story time scheduled for 1 p.m. inside Barnes & Noble.

Organizers said the goal is to expand access to books and “share the joy of reading with children across Connecticut.”

They added that each donated book can help inspire young readers and foster a lifelong love of books.

The Connecticut Education Foundation was established in 1991 as the charitable arm of the Connecticut Education Association, the state’s largest teachers’ union. The foundation assists children and teachers facing extraordinary hardships and supports students preparing for teaching careers. For more information, contact Nancy Andrews at 860-725-6317 or nancya@cea.org.