There are books just waiting to be read that are instead gathering dust on shelves and in boxes throughout Fort Dodge.

Local residents now have a chance to get those books into the hands of eager young readers.

The Fort Dodge Community Schools Foundation is seeking books that can be given to students so they have something to read over the summer.

Getting books suitable for elementary school students is the big goal, but books for older kids will be accepted as well. In fact, books in any readable condition will be accepted.

Folks who want to unload some books they haven’t read for awhile or simply no longer want will have to move fairly quickly, because the book drive is underway for just two weeks.

Books can be dropped off at these locations:

• Citizens Community Credit Union, 2012 First Ave. S.

• Active Health Clinics, 20 N. 29th St.

• Blue Ribbon Pelham Water, 612 S. 32nd St.

• Re/Max of Fort Dodge, 1517 First Ave. S.

This book collection effort is a good idea for a couple of different reasons. It provides reading material to students, while enabling people to get rid of some books without throwing them away. And the foundation can save some money by not having to order as many new books.

Avid readers know how exciting it is to get a new book they have never read before. Now they can help local kids experience that same feeling by contributing to this book collection effort.

We encourage anyone who has unwanted books to donate them.