Mary Hawley’s Gift Is

In Very Good Hands

To the Editor:

Passing the Booth Library the other day, I was pleased to see adults and children filling its rooms and moving through its doors. And it led me to wonder how its benefactress, Mary Hawley, would react if she could be among them now.

She’d be astonished, first, by how the Booth has grown in size and in the nature of its offerings since it was built in 1932. Today it has programs that would astonish her and her contemporaries — downloadable audio and e-books, classes in computer software, online databases, free Wi-Fi and e-mail alerts.

Still, she would have been pleased at the capable leadership and guidance of the library director, Janet Woycik. Given Ms Woycik’s energy and vision the library has become the vital center of learning and activity it is today.

True, Mary Hawley might have been nonplussed at an event called the Edible Book Contest held at the library last year. But rest easy, Mary. Your great gift to Newtown is in good hands.

Very sincerely,

Ray Sipherd

44 Echo Valley Road,  Newtown                      September 5, 2012