ORONO – The University of Maine College of Education and Human Development, in partnership with the Old Town-Orono Kiwanis Club, has launched the 27th annual drive to collect books for needy youngsters.

Established by the dean of the college, Robert Cobb, the community book collection has made thousands of books available to deserving area children. The college takes the lead in collecting the books, and club members distribute them at the service organization’s annual holiday party for area children.

New books suitable for toddlers to teens, gift wrapped if possible and marked for a particular age level, may be brought to Cobb’s office at 151 Shibles Hall, through noon Friday, Dec. 3.

The University Bookstore in Memorial Union also will be collecting books for the drive starting Nov. 15. For every book purchased for the drive, the bookstore will contribute a book of equal value. Children’s books will be sold at 25 percent off during Children’s Book Week, Nov. 15-20.