Arkansas Reads Book Drive Making Push to Reach Goal

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Reads program book drive is nearing its final days, and is more than half way to its goal of collecting 1,500 children's books for students K-5 at Hughes Elementary School in St. Francis County. The university is partnering with Fayetteville High School for the project. The drive, informally known as the "Hawgs and Dawgs program," has collected about 900 books since it began in late January. The book drive deadline has been extended until March 25, to make up for the two weeks of bad weather in early February.

Books can be dropped off at:

• Office of Admissions, Silas Hunt Hall, Room 232

• Mullins Library, west entrance 

• Arkansas Union, Food Court Walkway

• Department of English, Kimpel Hall

• Honors College Lounge, Administration Building, Room 429

• Nightbird Books on Dickson Street 

• Fayetteville High School, Main Office

On Thursday, March 31, Chancellor G. David Gearhart, Provost Sharon Gaber and a team of students from both campuses will travel to Hughes to deliver the books that have been collected to the school. 

 “Sharing an enthusiasm for reading is important to the development of young people everywhere,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “We want to support the efforts of the teachers and counselors at Hughes by bringing in books that they do not have. These students are Arkansas’ future, and we want to do everything we can to encourage their love for learning.”

 The Arkansas Reads program is sponsored by the office of enrollment rervices and Fayetteville High School. Additional partners include the chancellor's office, office of admissions, Associated Student Government, Mullins Library, and the office of nationally competitive awards. Barnes and Noble and the Dickson Street Book Exchange are donating books as well. This program has also been made possible by generous gifts from the chancellor's office and an anonymous donor.