Editor:

We began our eighth annual Children’s Hospital New Book Drive Oct. 1. Our book drive lasts throughout the month of October and there are many ways you can help support our effort to bring reading materials to local kids who are hospitalized. All donations stay within our Portland area community.

The needs of our local hospitals are complex and often unknown to the community. Hundreds of our children end up needing acute and ongoing treatment throughout the year. At Maine Medical Center there is a full-time teacher and classroom with as many as 15 students needing special attention in a given day. Kids who have cancer or Crohn’s disease have extended stays and need educational support.

Children with brain trauma from accidents have intense long-term cognitive therapy.

As a child who battled a serious illness, I found books to be a great comfort and distraction to the stresses of pain and constant interruption. Every time I visit one of our local hospitals I am reminded of how much we can all do with a simple gesture.

Here are some suggestions as to how you can reach out and support injured and sick children: Donate money at the checkout; purchase a special book you’d like to donate to the hospital; donate a used book credit slip; donate journals, wooden puzzles, coloring books and games.

All purchases for the hospitals receive a 20 percent discount.

Free bookplates are available for donated new books.

Nonesuch Books also receives donations from its publishing and business partners throughout the year. Last year they raised more than $10,000 in books, cash, gift certificates, webkins, and gifts. Please help in this efforts. Contributions may be made throughout the year.

Jon Platt

Owner

Nonesuch Books