Give the gift of reading to needy families via Arlington library

From now through the holidays, hundreds of people will come forward to donate food and gifts to Wheeling Township's Adopt-a-Family program.

But Arlington Heights Memorial Library officials have carved out their own niche. They give the gift of reading to needy families.

This is the 10th year that library staff members are sponsoring a holiday book drive. They hope each family's basket will contain new books to brighten their holidays -- and encourage literacy and lifelong learning.

"These are low-income families who have been qualified to receive other services throughout the year, including the food pantry and financial assistance," says Thelma Talamantes, general assistance director. "They are the neediest families in the township."

Providing them with books is a tradition that continues to draw supporters. Last year alone, the drive collected nearly 1,500 books. Already this year, they are on the same pace, considering the number of early donations, and the many collection sites.

"It's grown so much," says Deb Whisler, the library's public information director, "from just over 200 books our first year to 1,490 in 2006."

Once again, library officials seek new books for young people, from infants to age 16. They also welcome books in Spanish, including adult books.

Library staff members themselves love to participate, Whisler added.

"We hold a staff collection for money to purchase book titles," she said. "All the books we purchase are recommended by our own Kids' World librarians."

To participate, look for bins by the library's first floor check-out desk, or at their partnering business, Urban Harvest, 15 S. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights.

Groups assisting them with collection sites, include Westgate Elementary School, Thomas Middle School, St. James Catholic School, Windsor Elementary School's Girl Scout program, as well as at the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce's Professional Women's Council Holiday Luncheon, taking place Dec. 3 at Le Titi de Paris restaurant.

Wheeling Township takes in 156,000 residents in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, Wheeling, and small portions of Des Plaines and Rolling Meadows.