TAMIU's Killam Library and Literacy Volunteers of America-Laredo to "Make a Difference"

In the continued effort to collect books for the El Cenizo Library, Literacy Volunteers of America-Laredo (LVA-Laredo) has joined forces with Texas A&M International University's Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.

As part of the United Way's national drive to "Make a Difference" on Saturday, October 26, LVA-Laredo has challenged a variety of local institutions including area schools, hospitals, business and government agencies to collect gently used and new children's and young adult's books throughout the week of October 21.

The books will be collected Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mall del Norte Center Court. All books collected will be included in TAMIU's book drive for El Cenizo.

Rodney Webb, director of Killam Library, said that he would be excited to see the results of LVA-Laredo's week-long challenge.

"It's such a good cause and we've collected more than 1,000 books already for the El Cenizo Library. We'll be interested to see who brings in the largest number of books. It would be wonderful if we could reach our goal of 2,500 books," Webb said.

He explained that TAMIU had been challenged to match University of Texas-Austin's donation to the El Cenizo Library and had been collecting books at the main entrance of Killam Library since early September.

Dr. Kathleen Pletsch de García, TAMIU assistant professor and president of the board of directors for LVA-Laredo, explained that she felt it was important to ensure that the children's and young adult's sections of the El Cenizo library were adequately stocked.

"By doing this, we're putting a smile on a child's face and promoting literacy at an early age. I knew that the University library was collecting books and I thought this was a great thing for LVA-Laredo to contribute to during 'Make a Difference Day,' " said Pletsch de García.

She explained that all donors would be acknowledged and challenged the University as well as the Laredo community to gather as many books as possible.

For more information about Literacy Volunteers of America-Laredo, or the United Way's "Make a Difference Day," please contact Dr. Pletsch de García at 326.2614, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 415B, or e-mail kdegarcia@tamiu.edu.

For more information about the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, or the book drive for the El Cenizo Library, please contact Rodney Webb at 326.2400, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 216 or e-mail rwebb@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu