Half Price Books yesterday donated about 50 boxes of books to the Children's Home of Pittsburgh and the Lemieux Family Center in Friendship.

The Texas-based chain, which has locations in Ross, Robinson, Monroeville and Bethel Park, had collected more than 19,000 new and slightly used books in the Pittsburgh area this year as part of its national "Half Pint Library Book Drive." The Children's Home received most of the books, and local hospitals and nonprofit organizations will receive the rest.

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Aaron Smith, a Steelers defensive end, attended yesterday's ceremony at the home. Mr. Smith read "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" to several children.

Nationwide, Half Price Books collected more than 165,000 books for children's organizations and hospitals this year.