'Half Pint' Book Drive Celebrates 16th Year, Benefits Local Children

A family-owned new and used bookstore chain is celebrating its 16th annual book drive to benefit local children.

The Half Pint Library Book Drive is open now through March 31. New and gently used children's book donations can be dropped off at Half Price Books stores. The book drive accepts any type of children's book, including Spanish language books.

Half Price Books also contributes by matching each book donated during the drive.

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Once the book drive ends, giveaway events are scheduled at various Half Price Books locations and local non-profit groups are invited to come and pick up books.

According to the news release, more than 2 million books have been provided to children nationwide; over 290,000 books were distributed in 2013. Many children receive their first take-home book through the Half Pint Library program.

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"Half Price Books strives to get books into the hands of as many worthy and wonderful non-profit organizations and schools as we can," said Kathy Doyle Thomas, executive vice president and chief strategy officer of Half Price Books. "We are so appreciative of the donations we receive from the community during our Half Pint Library book drive. Their generosity and willingness to share the written word with children who may not have access to books helps foster a love of reading at an early age."