CPS wanted to help school libraries because arts and education funding is being cut a lot. With this book donation program the community gets to give back for all the great things that go on within the schools, such as high school music programs and concerts.

Books can be dropped off at any CPS event or during box office hours. There will be a book booth at every event. For each book you get a sticker with spaces for name, age and why you like the book that you’re donating. “The community members get a chance to really give back to the kids that are going to be reading these books and say ‘I decided to give you this book, because for this reason,’” said Watson.

The book will be donated to public schools districts to be selected later in the season. Any books from pre-k to grade 12 level are welcome, the broader the age levels included, the better. Watson said, “It’s going to be an entire district, so we want to make sure that all the libraries in that district get a good chunk of books.” Schools are always looking for any genre of book for children to read, says Watson. However there is a big need for non-fiction, such as biographies and autobiographies.

To thank the community members, at the end of the book drive there will be a raffle. For each book donated the donor gets their name entered in the drawing. The more books you donate, the better your chance of winning. The prize is two season tickets to the CPS Guest Artist series and the Meet the Arts series next year. The program continues until May 2013.