MANDEVILLE, Manchester - Alarmed by the dwindling numbers in the children's book collection, the Manchester Parish Library is now on a drive to collect 5,000 books by year-end. The book drive got a big kick start on February 23 when in excess of 1,000 books were collected following a civic ceremony and walk, involving hundreds of children from the Mandeville Primary and Junior High School as well as community leaders, led by custos of Manchester, Dr Gilbert Allen. Karen Barton, regional director of the Jamaica Library Service, Region 3, said "the initiative is the brainchild of the Manchester Parish Library Committee as a response to the urgent need to replenish the dwindling collection of books in the children's division (age 4 - 15) of the Manchester Library". The committee is headed by former mayor of Mandeville, Cecil Charlton. She told the Observer that while the drive had "lulled" since the launch on February 23 in Mandeville, there were plans to reactivate it in other sections of Manchester, starting with a "similar day" in Christiana. The library service would also be getting in touch with groups and individuals who pledged gifts of books, to make sure the promises are fulfilled. Said Barton: "The problem is compounded by those who do not bring back the books they have borrowed. So our campaign involves getting new books, and trying to get children and adults to understand that they must take care of their books and return them to the library." Despite the focus on children's books in the 4-15 age group category, Manchester librarians said donated books in other categories were also welcome. They may be fiction or non-fiction, preferably hard cover. Used books in good condition may also be donated.
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