BALTIMORE, Feb. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the United States, tomorrow will launch its 5thannual community-wide Book Drive in support of the Baltimore Elementary and Middle School Library Project.

Just $7 will buy a brand new, hardcover book for one of the Baltimore City Public Schools libraries that will be renovated this year as part of the Library Project. Donations will be accepted online throughout the month of March.

Book collection bins will also be available at select Baltimore businesses, organizations, and schools. Individuals may simply place new, hardcover children's books inside the marked bins. In addition, several local employers are hosting a "dress down day" for books—an opportunity for staff members to dress casually in exchange for a new, hardcover children's book or monetary donation. Other organizations are invited to host a "dress down day" as well, or create their own way of engaging with employees to support the Book Drive.

"Numerous studies document the importance of childhood literacy for future academic success," saidEllen M. Heller, Weinberg Foundation Board Chair. "A well-equipped, well-staffed, well-resourced school library can significantly override the negative impact poverty has on a student's academic achievement." Heller added, "We hope every person who knows the joy of reading will take this opportunity to pass along that gift. Each donation, each new book, is an investment in a child's learning and literacy."

As in years past, existing Library Project schools will also participate in the Penny Challenge. This is an opportunity for students who have already received a renovated school library to pay-it-forward by donating their pennies. These donations will be used to purchase additional books for this year's new libraries: Hampden Elementary/Middle School and George Washington Elementary School.

The Weinberg Foundation has committed $10 million to build or transform up to 24 Baltimore City Public Schools libraries in an effort to strengthen academic achievement among students. To date, the Weinberg Foundation and its more than 40 partners have completed 11 of these bright, new spaces.

To learn more about the Library Project Book Drive, and to donate, visit www.baltimorelibraryproject.org. You can also follow #libraryproject on Facebook and Twitter for all of the latest updates.

About The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private charitable foundations in the United States, provides approximately $100 million in annual grants to nonprofits that provide direct services to low-income and vulnerable individuals and families, primarily in the US and Israel. Grants are focused on meeting basic needs and enhancing an individual's ability to meet those needs with emphasis on older adults, the Jewish community, and our hometown communities of Maryland,Northeastern Pennsylvania, and Hawaii. The trustees, some of whom also serve as executive officers of the Foundation, are Donn Weinberg, Barry Schloss, Robert T. Kelly, Jr., Alvin Awaya, and Board ChairEllen M. Heller. Rachel Garbow Monroe serves as the Weinberg Foundation's President and Chief Executive Officer. For more information please visit www.hjweinbergfoundation.org.

SOURCE The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation