In Appreciation

Of The Library Staff

To the Editor:

As a volunteer as well as a member of the Board of Trustees for the C.H. Booth Library, I would like to congratulate the whole library staff who helped make the NewtownREADS To Kill a Mockingbird program such a success. I was fortunate to be involved, for example, in a writing seminar that Charles Shields presented for young writers as well as other adults who are involved in the many writing programs offered by the library. Mr Shields was a charming host, entertaining everyone who was present with his wonderful stories of writing the biography of Harper Lee called Mockingbird.

He also presented many ideas about the art of writing in general that inspired the audience to stay devoted to the craft. He was particularly attentive to the children who were at first a little shy about engaging, but he soon had them expressing their ideas and interacting in an informative dialogue with him. I spoke to several friends the next day who attended Mr Shields’ presentation at the high school, and they too expressed how enjoyable that program was as well.

On Saturday night, I was in the Meeting House that was packed with energy and excitement as the audience awaited the opening lines of the To Kill a Mockingbird play. The play was wonderful, and, as I sat in that beautiful building, it seemed to be such a fitting place to view a very professional performance. The stories will continue to go on and on about what has transpired in Newtown the past few weeks — the “Ham” sightings, all the book discussions, the lovely reception after the play.

So many people worked so hard to make it such a success and I think everyone who read the book and attended all the activities truly were delighted. I did want to acknowledge Kim Weber, the library’s program coordinator, for her contributions above and beyond the call. She was standing in the doorway of the Meeting House on Saturday night, handing out programs, organizing seating, fielding questions with her usual graciousness. Kim is very self-effacing and would not want to be singled out, but I have worked with her for years on different programs and she exemplifies the ultimate library staff member — hardworking, enthusiastic, creative, supportive — the list of positive adjectives could go on and on. So Kim, to you, Janet Woycik the library director, and the outstanding staff who all worked together on this project, thank you.

Sincerely,

Liz Arneth

4 Settlers Lane, Sandy Hook                                          April 30, 2007