Peter Murchie likes to read to his kids.

He likes it so much, he has decided to collect books to encourage other parents to do the same.

During the month of August Murchie will be collecting used children’s books at his office in Manakin-Sabot.

The books will be distributed by Richmond-based nonprofit organization Read Aloud Virginia (RAV).

RAV’s motto is, “When Adults Read, Children Succeed.” According to the organization’s website, their number one goal is “To increase the number of parents and care-givers who read aloud to children from birth to school age at least 20 minutes a day or 2 hours a week.” 

Murchie is in agreement on the value of reading, something he says he has done all his life.

Murchie said he first learned about RAV from Brennan Spoonhower of Silent Partner Media, who had worked with the group.

“I thought hosting a book drive would be a good fit,” said Murchie, who said he reads aloud to his three children most nights before they go to bed.

He is continuing a tradition started by his father, who read to his four sons when they were growing up.

“We have fun and it is a great time to be together,” said Murchie of the time spent reading to his children.

He plans to kick off his book drive July 31 at the Goochland Farmers Market Kids Day.

At 10:15 a.m. he will entertain children with a special Smiles for Life Story Time. Parents are encouraged to drop off their gently used children’s books at the Farmers Market on July 31st to kick-start the August book drive.

During the Farmers Market Kids Day, children will have an opportunity to meet literary characters in costume as well as enjoy story time.

Murchie said he will read “When Wishes Were Horses,” and “another book about coming to the dentist and taking care of your teeth.”

He said he would not be in costume, although he thought about coming dressed as a giant tooth.

The public can drop off books at Kids Day at the Farmers Market on August 1.

After that books can be left during the month of August at Murchie’s office at 1606 Hockett Road in Manakin-Sabot from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

For more information about RAV, visit www.readaloudva.org. For more about the book drive visit Murchie’s website www.goochlanddentistry.org and click on “Special Events.”