During the month of March, Balfour Beatty Communities will be collecting new or gently-used books for middle school students attending Freedom Park Elementary School.

“The middle school aged children have been added, but there’s not funding to help upgrade the library,” said Kelly Barchanowicz, LifeWorks coordinator, who is spearheading the drive.

Most of the books in the school’s media center are age-appropriate for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade pupils.

While reading is important every day, March 2 is Read Across America Day, also known as Dr. Seuss’ birthday to many. Many take the day to read Dr. Seuss’ books and to do events related to them.

Barchanowicz said she thought the book drive would tie in well with that event.

Another way to help Freedom Park’s library in March is to participate in the school’s book fair, March 26 to April 1.

“Twenty-five percent of the money raised goes back to the school library,” she said.

Parents who buy books for their children will be supporting the library. Also, parents can purchase books and donate them to the library, doubling their efforts.

The National Education Association NEA has a list of recommended reading at its website, www.nea.org.

Barchanowicz said this book drive is specifically for the school. She organized another book drive in December for other books.

People who live or work on post, whether they have children who attend Freedom Park Elementary School or not, are encouraged to participate in the drive, she said.

To learn more, call Barchanowicz at (706) 772-7044.