The Wilmette Rotary Club’s annual book drive is now gathering thousands of children’s books for inner-city schools and welcomes donations from residents.

Each year, Rotary members gather 15,000 to 18,000 books to help Chicago kids enjoy reading, advance academic performance and achieve success. Most books come from North Shore schools, libraries and institutions, but Rotary also welcomes volumes from neighbors.

Donated books will go to kindergarteners through high school students, so titles of various reading levels are welcome. All books should be for personal reading, interest and enjoyment, though, so no textbooks or reference books will be accepted (except for dictionaries).

Donated books should be brought to Gillson Park’s Lakeview Center main desk before Nov. 16. Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Wilmette Rotary Club was founded in 1924 and conducts international, community, vocational and club service projects.  Members meet at noon on Wednesdays for luncheon, speakers and fellowship at McCormick & Schmick’s Restaurant in Old Orchard.  For more information, visit the club's website at www.wilmetterotary.org.