With the giving season beginning, the Bridgewater Township Library has set up two different programs for collecting items for both humans and animals in need.

The first is a program entitled "Books for Kids!" that is collecting new books for children of all ages, according to Kyle Pucciarello, youth services programming coordinator for the library.

The program began Nov. 1, and lasts until Dec. 11. Pucciarello said people are invited to donate books by dropping them off in a container at the entrance to the youth services room of the library.

All books collected will be distributed to children and teens throughout the state who have limited access to books.

The program is being sponsored by the Children's Services Section of the New Jersey Library Association.

The second program is designed to help families in need and shelter animals this holiday season.

The library has designated a drop-off area near the customer service desk for collecting animal shelter donations. Items that can be donated—and which will be delivered to the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter after the last drop-off date of Dec. 16—are dog food, cat food, non-clumping clay litter, dog leashes, collars, cotton towels, paper towels, bleach, laundry detergent and store gift cards.

The library will also continue to collect items through Buy One, Bring One Friday, which collects food and personal-care items for families in need throughout the county. The bins to collect items will be available every day during library hours, not just on the specific county-designated third Friday of the month for collections.

Items needed include bath soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and toilet paper, because these are not covered by food stamps.

For more information about any of the collections, visit the library website.