To the Editor:

 This year has been a very special one for the annual book sale to benefit the C.H. Booth Library. We celebrated our 40th anniversary in style with the support of thousands of patrons who made the event a roaring success. The substantial funds raised through the annual book sale underwrite the acquisition of materials and technology, and the many programs that we so enjoy in our town library.

 The devoted and energetic book sale volunteers deserve our deepest thanks. We were joined by friends and family from near and far, as well as members of the NHS girls’ soccer team (coach: Marc Kenney), cheerleading squad (coach: Susan Bridges), and field hockey team (coach: Stephanie Paproski), and Boy Scout Troop 70 (Jim Wruck). This year, for the first time, a crew of employees from TUV Rheinland lent their talents as a community service project.

 Our local officials and school staff provide foundational support during the book sale and throughout the year. We wish to express our gratitude to First Selectman Pat Llodra, Borough Warden Jim Gaston and Public Works Director Fred Hurley, as well as the Land Use Agency and Police Department; and to Anne Uberti and her staff—particularly the custodians—at the Reed Intermediate School, and Kitty Latowicki and Gregg Simon at Newtown High School.

The Friends enjoy a special relationship with the staff and governing board of the library. Our particular thanks go to Brenda McKinley (library director), and the Board of Trustees (Bob Geckle) for being our partners in this and other fundraising efforts year-round.

 The list of local and regional businesses that have provided support is extensive: Armstrong Movers, Associated Refuse Haulers (Pat Caruso), Bagel Delight (Eunice Laverty), Big Y, BJ’s, Bottle Stop Wine and Spirit Superstore, Butcher’s Best, Caraluzzi’s Market, Carminuccio’s Pizza (Eddie Martino), Chartwell, Cork N Barrel, Costco, Dunkin’ Donuts (Jeff Dymerski), Fairground Too! Wines and Liquors, Franco’s Pizza and Pasta (Marcio Dossanto), McKinney Communications (Dana McKinney), My Place Restaurant, Newtown Hardware, Newtown Savings Bank, Papa Al’s, People’s United Bank, Pudelz Tee Shirts (Jane Hellman), Rooster Wines and Liquor, Shadow Graphics (Jules Falconer), A Sign Depot (Frank Bauer), Stew Leonard’s, Stop and Shop, Trader Joe’s, W. B. Mason, World of Wine & Spirits (Jeff Oetjen), Yankee Discount Wines & Liquors, and Your Healthy Pet.

Finally, we extend our thanks to all the people who donated the quality books, CDs, DVDs, LPs, etc. that were offered at the book sale. Keep those donations coming! The 41th annual summer book sale is already on the drawing boards (July 9 to July 13, 2016).

Sincerely,

Denise A. Kaiser

2015 Book Sale Chairwoman

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Friends of the C.H. Booth Library

25 Main Street, Newtown                    July 23, 2015