The Florida Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services has established a Holiday Book Drive, which opened this month and will continue until February.
This book drive will benefit the various libraries within correctional facilities throughout Florida, as well as the libraries within the Chattahoochee Florida State Hospital.
Members of the community are invited to participate in the book drive by donating their pre-loved books.
The libraries within the correctional facilities and state-run hospitals rely heavily on donated materials, such as books, to promote education, rehabilitation and engagement within the incarcerated members.
Giving the gift of a pre-loved, gently-used book is a way to help foster these elements within local facilities and hospitals, while also clearing out the clutter of your own bedside tables, bookshelves, and coffee tables.
Requested genres are: popular fiction, science fiction, western novels, graphic novels (including comic books), young adult fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, Spanish-language books, large-print titles, audio books, Spanish-speaking introduction, continued educational texts (including books on GED, GRE and vocational programs), guides to cover letters and interviewing, books on business management and investing, biographies, art guides, arts and crafts guides, animal books, children’s literature (especially 3rd and 4th grade reading level texts), G to PG-13 rated movies and documentaries, chess sets, board games, jigsaw puzzles, and crafting supplies.
The book drive prefers paperback books, but hardbacks will also be accepted.
Book donations should be dropped off in the main lobby of the R.A. Gray Building, located at 500 South Bronough Street, in Tallahassee.
Book donations may be dropped off Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.
For more information about the book drive, the State Library of Florida can be contacted at (850) 245-6682 or state.library@dos.myflorida.com
Your books can make a positive impact on the lives of incarcerated Floridians near to home and across the state!
Ashley Hunter – editor@prioritynews.net
