Three Tucson Bookmans locations are accepting new or gently used books for children in kindergarten through fifth grade through Aug. 31, with a special celebration on Aug. 26.

Area residents can drop off contributions at specially marked white boxes provided by Literacy Connects, also based in Tucson, which regularly donates over 1,000 books every week for kids in need.

Participating stores are Bookmans Midtown at 3330 E. Speedway Blvd., Bookmans East at 6230 E. Speedway Blvd. and Bookmans Northwest at 3733 W. Ina Road. All collected books will be distributed so that children can build their home libraries.

From 4-8 p.m. Aug. 26, all readers are invited to a block party at the midtown location. Stories that Soar! will perform a live theatrical presentation at this event, whcih will also feature family activities and prizes.

The Bookmans retail stores operate together under Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, which buys and sells used media.