Stressing the importance of reading in cultivating a lifelong love of learning, 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) have teamed up to bring books to a wider swath of the community, via a book drive that is planned to last until the end of October.
Gathering in Seth Low Park, Avenue P and West 12th Street, the two legislators joined representatives of numerous organizations that are participating in the effort at the kickoff event, which was held on Monday, September 8.
Books can reveal “new worlds for our children,” stressed Assemblyman Colton, a former educator. “When they get into loving to read, that opens up significant opportunities for all of them. I think this book drive is going to do a tremendous amount of good, cultivating a whole new level of learning in the youngest members of our community. When you read a book, it gives you information that you can really get excited about. I’m really looking forward to what we will be able to accomplish through this amazing book drive.”
“As a mother of two, I love to see kids read, and I love to see them learn about the world and explore their imagination. Books can give us a glimpse into a new world or the lives of people we may never meet. Just one book can bring us closer to humanity,” said Councilmember Zhuang. “I’m proud to partner alongside Assemblyman Colton and community organizations to bring such a rich resource to the community, for free. And pull them away from their cell phones for a bit!”
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 at Assemblyman Colton’s district office, 155 Kings Highway, and Councilmember Zhuang’s district office, 6514 20th Avenue, or at CASS, 124 Avenue O; COPO, 1077 Coney Island Avenue; FIAO, 8711 18th Avenue; HCS, 6915 15th Avenue; Iqra Masjid, 2483 65th Street; JCH, 7802 Bay Parkway; and UCA, 1787 Stillwell Avenue. Distribution of the books will likely begin in early October.
