BEVERLY — You can start your holiday shopping early and assist children's literacy at the same time.

The fourth annual Newspapers In Education book sale will take place the second weekend in November at The Salem News building on Dunham Road.

"One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to our NIE program," said Steve Baskin, assistant circulation director.

Book sales are run every spring and fall, raising about $10,000 a year. The funds are used to supply free newspapers to students in elementary and high schools in The Salem News area, as well as in areas covered by the newspaper's sister publications, the Gloucester Daily Times, The Daily News of Newburyport and The Eagle-Tribune of North Andover.

NIE was established in 1955 to introduce children to the newspaper world. Evidence suggests that students who are exposed to a newspaper regularly will improve in their reading, spelling and writing abilities. Because of NIE's efforts, an average of 1.3 million papers find their way to the hands of students worldwide during the school year.

Books from all genres and for all ages are not the only things for sale. Videos, CDs, puzzles and board games are also available — and nothing goes to waste.

"Anything not sold will be kept for the next sale," Baskin said.

If you go

BOOK SALE

When: Saturday, Nov. 8, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: The Salem News, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly

Cost: Free admission. Prices range from 10 cents to $2 per item.

To benefit: Newspapers in Education program