MATTAPOISETT — Throughout the month of January, Old Rochester Regional Junior High School students helped collect over 525 books that will be donated to the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library. 

"I am so proud of the students for organizing a book drive to benefit our local community," said seventh-grade science teacher Lauren O'Brien. "Fostering a love of reading is important for all ages. Thank you to the students and staff for contributing over 525 books to the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library."

Once the books were collected, members of the school’s Student Affairs Committee checked the donations for any water damage, mold, significant discoloring, odor or personal markings.

The books were collected at the junior high school via bins located in each homeroom. Books on CD and textbooks were also accepted. The Student Affairs Committee counted the books each Friday and displayed them in the school's front lobby.

"Congratulations to our Student Affairs Committee on a successful community book drive," said Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Principal Silas Coellner. "It was great to see all the donations that had been received displayed in the front lobby each week and the generosity of our students and staff was outstanding."

The Student Affairs Committee is a group of 20 seventh- and eighth-grade students who work together to do positive work for the junior high school community, including coordinating a veterans drive and winter coat drive in partnership with Old Rochester Regional High School, holding a food drive and organizing spirit days.

"It's great to see the thought, leadership and care that our students demonstrate with each donation drive they coordinate and the continuous, outstanding support of the community," said Old Rochester Regional School District Superintendent Mike Nelson. "We are proud to contribute to an important community organization in the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library and we look forward to continuing this partnership.”