It’s the day after Labor Day, so it really feels like back-to-school time (even though most kids started at some point in August, poor things). Kids are back to pencils, back to books, back to teachers’ dirty looks. And back to reading. With the new Third Grade Reading Guarantee, getting the young ones reading is more important than ever.



Columbus Metropolitan Library has partnered with Columbus City Schools and Panera Bread for the Books on the Bus program. The goal of the program is to collect new and gently used books and place a box of them on each Columbus City Schools’ bus where the young ones can grab some quick reading time on their way to and from school.

Do you have some gently used books that were once your kids’ favorites that need a new home? Do you have a balance on that Barnes and Noble gift card burning a hole in your pocket? Gather up some great kids’ books and donate them through September 21. You can find donation bins at each Columbus Metropolitan Library branch. Last year, CML collected nearly 5,000 books. What can you help them do this year?