The Wilmette Rotary Club gathered nearly 9,000 books for needy inner-city schools, helping thousands of pre-school through 12th grade students enjoy reading and perform better.

The ninth annual book drive drew welcome contributions from libraries and schools. Many books came from Friends of the Wilmette Public Library and the Northfield, Skokie and Lake Bluff Libraries.  Others came from McKenzie and Romona Elementary, Harper and Central Schools, Highcrest Middle School, Wilmette Junior High, Marie Murphy, St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier Schools -- all in Wilmette -- and St. Athanasius School in Evanston. 

Books are being delivered to four Catalyst charter schools in Chicago’s Austin, Lawndale and Marquette neighborhoods. St. Agnes of God and St Procopius Schools in Little Village and Pilsen, and San Miguel High School in the Back of the Yards.

Viewing this major annual project, Wilmette Rotary Literacy Chair Jackie Granat says: “Book donations help inner-city schools make reading a priority and students perform better in class, gain reading levels, advance in high school and aim for college.  Looking ahead, Rotary is viewing technology and the transition from paper books to e-readers so students can better prepare for a high-tech world.”

The Wilmette Rotary Club is 88 years old, has 65 members and meets noon Wednesdays for luncheon, speakers and fellowship at McCormick & Schmick’s Restaurant in Old Orchard.