Dr. Seuss, Robin Hood and a hungry caterpillar need your help

“Where the Wild Things Are,” “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “The Adventures of Robin Hood” sat on display with all their battered edges, worn-out sides and cracked spines for the world to see.

The beat-up, or well-loved, childhood books are just some of the books the Children’s Library will soon need to replace, but the library’s budget to buy new books has been axed by about 80% and may not be able to meet the community’s need.

To make up for budget cut, the Friends of the Children’s Library, along with Mayor Cathy Green and Rainbow Disposal Chairman Ron Shenkman, began a Books for Kids fundraising campaign Sept. 16 at the Central Library.

The campaign had already raised about $5,000 before its start. Shenkman, whose company made an initial donation of $1,500, said organizers hope to raise $20,000.

Residents will receive information in their water bills this month, if they haven’t already, asking for donations, and can also drop them off at boxes at the Central Library or the branch libraries or mail them to the Friends of the Children’s Library at 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA, 92648.