The Metropolitan Library System donated over four thousand new books to local nonprofit organizations following the completion of the library’s annual Summer Reading program in August.

The Read It Forward program gives Summer Reading participants the opportunity to donate their prize - a free book - to someone else or "Read it Forward" rather than claim it. The library system also donates a book on behalf of Summer Reading participants who complete 30 hours or more in the program. These books are then distributed to local nonprofits serving families and youth.

After a record-breaking 2018 Summer Reading program, the library was able to donate more than ever, totaling 4,400 books. Local nonprofits benefiting from the 2018 Read it Forward program included Citizens Caring for Children, Faithworks of the Inner City, Mary Mahoney Memorial Health Center and Sisu Youth Services.

“We give away about six thousand books a year so what you have brought us today will take care of one third of the children that we see,” Citizens Caring for Children executive director, Lynne Roller said.

Summer Reading participants earned prizes for each 10 hours read, which is the equivalent of reading 20 minutes per day, up to 30 total hours. Twelve percent reached the 30-hour completion, automatically donating a book to the Read It Forward program. Many participants also opted to Read It Forward rather than claim their prize.

Over 28,000 readers participated in the annual Summer Reading program this year, a 24 percent increase over last year’s Summer Reading program. Readers also logged a total of over 20 million minutes, which is a million more minutes than 2017.