To the Editor:

Congratulations to the 398 children that participated in the C.H. Booth Library's summer reading program, "On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!" Collectively the children read a grand total of 6,146 books. Incentives were provided by our longstanding community partners: My Place and Dunkin' Donuts. Over the years these businesses have donated thousands of free pizza slices and donuts to our readers. Thank you for your loyal support. Funds from the Friends of the Library make it possible for the library to offer dozens of free programs for children of all ages over the summer. Readers who met the goal of reading 20 books earned a $5 coupon to spend on books at the Little Book Store located on the second floor of the library.

The success of the summer reading program is due to the efforts of many: our dedicated library staff, our community partners, the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library, and last but certainly not least, the 42 young adult volunteers who donated 685 hours listening to reading reports and awarding incentives. Finally, I would like to thank the parents, grandparents, and caregivers who care enough about the children in their lives to bring them to the library.

The love of reading is one of the greatest gifts an adult can give a child. The joy that reading brings lasts a lifetime. Please don't wait until next summer to think about visiting the library to find a good book. We're open until 8 four nights a week, and on weekends to accommodate busy working parents. Make the library a habit as you begin a new school year; your children will thank you for it and so will their teachers.

Alana Bennison

Children's Librarian, C.H. Booth Library

25 Main Street, Newtown         August 23, 2016