LYONS – Assemblyman Brian Manktelow (R,C,I,Ref – Lyons) is partnering with Marine Corps Toys for Toys in hosting a book drive -- collecting new and gently used books for children from birth to age 17.

One of the missions that Toys for Tots has taken on is improving literacy among the most vulnerable populations in our communities; children whose families may not be able to afford books for children to own and read at their leisure.

“There is nothing like owning your own books, being able to build a personal library,” said Assemblyman Manktelow. “It’s something that children need to learn from an early age, that owning their own books is a treasure. I am hoping that my constituents will help with that.”

The assemblyman said he knows he’s starting the collection early, but he wants to make sure that enough books will be collected so the Toys For Tots book

From now until Dec. 15, new or gently used (no ripped pages no writing inside) books at may be dropped off at Assemblyman Brian Manktelow’s office in Lyons at 10 Leach Road, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Anyone with questions may contact Assemblyman Manktelow’s office by calling (315) 946-5166, or via e-mail at manktelowb@nyassembly.gov.