MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Hundreds of brand-new books were destroyed when they could have been donated to area reading programs.

The overflowing trash bins behind a local store caught NewsChannel5's attention. Live On Five Investigator Jodi Brooks reported that it's apparently standard procedure when a bookstore closes.

When the B. Dalton Booksellers in Middleburg Heights closed, all the books were thrown out.

But a worker still inside the store couldn't comment on the reason for not donating the books. Brooks was told to contact the company's corporate office in New York.

NewsChannel5 was told that tearing front covers off new books is standard procedure when a bookstore closes. It's called "stripping a book."

"To hear that they're throwing away brand-new books is very frustrating because those are harder to get our hands on," said Michelle Unangst, of the Merrick House Literacy Program.

The Merrick House works strictly on donations. Each year it gives five books each to 2,500 Cleveland public school students. The goal is to build home libraries.

The facts are clear: 75 percent of unemployed adults have reading and writing problems, as do 85 percent of juvenile offenders. Also, 40 percent of fourth-grade students read below their grade level.

"Donate (the book) to schools, donate them to anybody (who) needs (them). You know that will help children learn to read," said Marilyn Finkel, a bookstore customer.

But to take these books from the trash bin is illegal; the books would be considered stolen property. Inside the front cover, a warning states that a book without its cover is unauthorized. It was reported to the publisher as unsold and destroyed, and neither the author nor the publisher received payment.

When NewsChannel5 went back to the trash bin, it was empty.

Meanwhile, the Merrick house is looking for new and gently read books, especially for children.

Those who would like to donate books should call (216) 771-5077.