As a result of their successful ongoing book collection drive, Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) and City Councilmember Susan Zhuang (D—Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Dyker Heights, Boro Park and Sunset Park) will be distributing some of those books to neighborhood children on four Fridays in October and November.

The giveaways will be held at their district offices, 155 Kings Highway (Assemblyman Colton) and 6514 20^th Avenue (Councilmember Zhuang) on October 10 and 24, and November 14, from 2-4 p.m.

“We are delighted that the community has responded so enthusiastically to our book drive,” said Assemblyman Colton, a former educator. “We have been getting frequent donations of children’s books, and the time has come to get those books into the hands of eager youngsters, whose lives will surely be enriched by them. Reading is such an important skill, and, even more than that, it is a pleasure. My hope is that, for these children, the book donations help to open up a lifetime habit that can help them succeed in school and in their chosen occupations, as well as provide them with hours of entertainment, not only as children but as adults.”

“I want a better life for my kids and every single child. I want them to have the opportunities I didn’t, the experiences I didn’t. Our phones are simply an escape from the world, but books expand our understanding of our world. Language inspires creativity and fosters critical thinking. Most importantly I want to make sure every child has a chance to develop these skills, no matter a family’s financial situation,” said Councilmember Zhuang.

The book drive kicked off on Monday, September 8, with donations ranging from early readers to young adult selections.

Community partners for the drive include ABC (the Association of Bensonhurst Commerce), CASS (Chinese American Social Services), the Committee of 100, COPO (Council of Peoples Organization), FIAO (the Federation of Italian American Organizations), Homecrest Community Services (HCS), Iqra Masjid, the JCH (Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst), Sharing Hearts, UA3, the United Chinese Association of Brooklyn (UCA) and the Zhanjiang Association of America.

Books can be dropped off until the end of October at Assemblyman Colton’s district office and Councilmember Zhuang’s district office, or at CASS, 124 Avenue O; COPO, 1077 Coney Island Avenue; FIAO, 8711 18^th Avenue; HCS, 6915 15^th Avenue; Iqra Masjid, 2483 65^th Street; JCH, 7802 Bay Parkway; and UCA, 1787 Stillwell Avenue.