Book Drive

There's still time to donate books to help Columbus City Schools' youngest students improve their literacy skills.

Columbus Metropolitan Library partnered with Columbus City Schools and Panera Bread to collect new and gently used titles for the new Books for Breakfastprogram. The goal is to provide books that students in grades K-5 can read during breakfast at school and also take home with them. About 25,000 students participate in the district's breakfast program each day.

Collection boxes can be found at library branches, and monetary contributions can be made at central Ohio Panera restaurants. Donations will be accepted through Aug. 30.

Customers at the German Village Panera Bread, 684 S. High St., who drop off new or gently used children's books between 7 a.m. and noon Aug. 31 will get a coupon for a free breakfast entree.

Last year, CML collected about 8,000 items for Books on the Bus, a similar program aimed at getting students to read on the ride to and from school.