(Washington, DC) During the upcoming summer, DC Parks and Recreation wants District residents to experience a little R&R: Reading and Recreation.

The department is partnering with Books for America to conduct a citywide book drive, touting the importance of literacy in youth and adults. The groups seek literature donations that cater to both youth and adult audiences.

“Education is the cornerstone of success,” Neil O. Albert, director of DC Parks and Recreation, said. “Literacy is directly linked to quality of life. This book drive emphasizes the city’s dedication to offering educational services to the masses.”

“Our whole goal is to instill reading throughout the country,” Steve Hersey of Books for America said. “We will distribute books to not only youth. Through our adult literacy campaign, moms, dads and grandparents will get books to read. We want to nurture the passion of reading in everyone.”

The campaign is part of DC Parks and Recreation’s summer programming. With its summer slogan, “Summer 2003: Join Us for Some R&R – Reading and Recreation,” the department has bolstered the literacy component in its various camping programs.

All books donated through the drive will be distributed to neighborhood recreation centers. The department will also identify certain recreation facilities as official “reading centers.”