SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The popular "Books 4 Kids" program will be visiting South Bend for the third year in a row during the week of Nov. 18.

Books 4 Kids, or B4K, is a 501c3 that brings authors into classrooms -- both in-person and electronically -- to read with students, participate in a Q&A session and provide every student with a free copy of the book.

"B4K has been providing students from Pre-K through 8th grade with an all-inclusive event that brings authors into the classroom for the last 10 years. In that time, they have distributed over 60,000 books across 12 states and five countries," organizers said.

"The B4K program works to build children’s character through books, but this year they are leaving behind more than just books for kids. This year B4K is leaving a gift for teachers to remind all of us in South Bend how important our educators are, not just to students but to all of us."

The program is funded through sponsors and grants, including the Muessel/Ellison Foundation.

“There are just so many things I love about South Bend, but the students are by far the most amazing attributes," said founder and CEO of the B4K program, Coleen Liebsch. "I’m excited to see how much they’ve grown!”