The statistics are sobering— one in three adults over age 25 in Anson County is functionally illiterate. That likely means that when these adults were children, either their parent(s) didn't take the time to read to them or for whatever reason, they just didn't ever develop an interest in reading.

No matter the reason, The Anson Record, Anson County Partnership for Children, Wadesboro Police Department and Anson County Sheriff's Office are joining forces to make sure the next generation doesn't get left behind.

Through November, the organizations are sponsoring "Book Patrol," a book drive to support programs of the Partnership for Children, which provides free books to children through local festivals and also distributes the books to schools and child care centers, as well as the Hampton B. Allen Library in Wadesboro.

"We're really trying to focus on literacy," said Partnership executive director Elaine Scarborough, adding that this book drive will also help to provide books for the agency's various literacy programs throughout the coming year.

The Anson Record offices at 123 E. Martin St., Suite 400, in Wadesboro will be a drop-off site for the books, as well as the Partnership for Children offices on North Greene Street, the Anson County Sheriff's Office and the Wadesboro Police Department. In addition, the following town halls throughout the county will also collect books: Ansonville, Lilesville, Morven, Peachland, Polkton and Wadesboro.

Reading is of immense importance for kids of all ages, whether it be parents reading to their infant or toddler, or teenagers reading books to escape the doldrums of their everyday school life.

With the Book Patrol offering so many collection sites, there's no excuse for every child in Anson County not to have age-appropriate reading material.

So please bring a few new or gently used children's or teen's books by our offices, or Wadesboro Police Chief Janie Schutz says, if you see an officer on the street, don't hesitate to hand over some books to him or her as well.

And by the way, gently used means gently used. No torn pages, no scribbling throughout, no stains... although the former owner's name written in the book will be OK, Scarborough says. It's also important to note that coloring books and work books will not be accepted.

The Book Patrol drive begins today and will run through November. The Anson Record offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

We'll look forward to collecting the books, and even more forward to getting them into the hands of the county's children. Let's get this, ya'll!