Weinberg Foundation/Baltimore Reads Launch Major Book Drive

Next Chapter of Multi-Million Dollar Baltimore Library Project

BALTIMORE, March 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the United States, together with Baltimore Reads, an adult and family literacy nonprofit, today launches a community-wide Book Drive throughout the month of March. The new books collected will be placed in school libraries being renovated as part of the Baltimore Elementary and Middle School Library Project. Today's Book Drive launch is being held at one of those schools:

• Southwest Baltimore Charter School
• 1300 Herkimer Street, Baltimore, MD 21223
• 10:30 a.m.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120302/DC63010LOGO)

Governor Martin O'Malley is scheduled to be the featured speaker for today's event which marks Read Across America Day, the start of Read Across Maryland month, and the birthday of Dr. Seuss, the timeless inspiration for countless youngsters to develop a love of reading.

"Thanks to our hardworking and dedicated educators, parents and students, Maryland has become a national model for quality, public education," said Governor O'Malley. "During Read Across Maryland month and all year long, we ask educators and parents, whether at home or in the classroom, to encourage our children to read as often and as early as they can. This year, we are pleased to partner with The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and Baltimore Reads to provide books for the Baltimore Elementary and Middle School Library Project to expand access to reading for more Maryland families."

More than 40 community partners have committed to place book drop-off bins at roughly 80 locations across the Baltimore area.

"The Weinberg Foundation is thrilled that all four of the libraries included in the first year of the Library Project are moving through the planning and design stage," said Rachel Garbow Monroe, Weinberg Foundation President. "The next, logical chapter means filling up those new libraries with new books, and we're delighted that so many Baltimore businesses and organizations are taking part. More so, the Foundation is very thankful to have the expertise of Baltimore Reads in organizing this major book drive."

"Baltimore Reads is delighted to be a partner in a project that supports our mission to advance adult literacy and provide free books for kids through our Book Bank," said Shirley Bigley LaMotte, CEO of Baltimore Reads. "The Weinberg Foundation Library Project is a much needed resource for our community. By working together on the Book Drive, we will reach thousands of children and their parents to share and promote a love of reading."

Today also marks the launch of the Library Project's new website, www.baltimorelibraryproject.org.

Please visit the site for the latest Library Project developments, including the Book Drive, and follow on Twitter at #libraryproject.

About The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private charitable foundations in the United States, provides approximately $100 million in annual grants to nonprofits that provide direct services to economically disadvantaged people, primarily in the U.S. and Israel. Grants are focused on meeting basic needs and enhancing an individual's ability to meet those needs with emphasis on older adults, the Jewish community, and our hometown communities of Maryland, northeastern Pennsylvania, and Hawaii. The trustees, some of whom also serve as executive officers of the Foundation, are Alvin Awaya, Judge Ellen M. Heller, Robert T. Kelly, Jr., Barry I. Schloss, and Chairman of the Board Donn Weinberg. Rachel Monroe serves as the Weinberg Foundation's President. For more information please go to www.hjweinbergfoundation.org.

Media Contact: Craig Demchak, 443-738-1159, [email protected]

SOURCE Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

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