(L–r) Chief Tandy Carter, Mr. and Mrs. Devine (Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine), and neighborhood residents Over 200 books were donated during the kickoff for the “Readers Are Leaders So Book ’em Now” program sponsored by the Columbia Police Department.

Books were donated by South Carolina Center for Children’s Books and Literacy, Jump Start University Too, Sheila Washington with Logan Elementary School, residents from Earlewood and Laurel Hill Communities, Councilwomen Belinda Gergel and Tameika Isaac Devine, as well as other citizens of Columbia.

Columbia Police Chief Tandy Carter announced the new initiative between the Columbia Police Department and Richland County School District One’s Literacy Initiative: L.E.A.D.S. (Literacy Excellence Achieves Desired Success).

Chief Carter stated, “Literacy affects us all. It is the responsibility of each of us to provide our students with every chance to succeed in school and life; and what a better way to do that than with the donation of a book.”

“Readers Are Leaders So Book’em Now” was designed to collect new and gently used books for students of Richland One so that they may supplement the student’s home libraries.

“Readers Are Leaders So Book’em Now” Kickoff event was held on Saturday, October 31, from 5–7 pm during the McCants Townhomes Halloween Party. During the Halloween party kids were able to trick or treat for candy and a book, meet some of the Columbia Police Department’s K–9 Unit and McGruff the Crime Dog.

Columbia Police Department will be placing collection barrels in each of the four regional offices (Metro Region 1600 Bull St, North Region 3905 Ensor Ave, South Region 2132 Devine St and West Region 690 Club Rd) as well as at the Department’s Headquarters (#1 Justice Square, corner of Washington and Lincoln Streets).