SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois’ lieutenant governor is facilitating the donation of hundreds of books to Springfield schools.

Sheila Simon’s office partnered with the Illinois Reading Council and collected books at a back-to-school drive at the 2014 Illinois State Fair, which ran from Aug. 8 to 17. Simon is sponsoring another back-to-school book drive at the Du Quoin State Fair.

Springfield Public School District Superintendent Jennifer Gill says the schools are pleased to accept the donations. Gill says providing students reading materials during the school day and to take home is “essential in achieving their reading goals.”

Online: www.IllinoisReads.org.

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