United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is handing out more than 20,000 free books to area youth this summer.

Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, 5460 N. 64th St., recently distributed books to neighborhood families. Books also will be given away at playgrounds, Hunger Task Force’s free meal sites, and residential and correctional sites that serve children and youth. Free books are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Children can lose as many as three months of reading skills during the summer, according to United Way. The effect is most dramatic for children from low-income homes. Without learning activities, they can fall farther behind in school.

Hunger Task Force, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee Recreation and Express Yourself Milwaukee are partnering with United Way on the project.