"The patio is such a wonderful addition to the library and is already in use by families, students after school, and patrons enjoying a little fresh air close to the library's resources and Wi-Fi," said C.H. Booth Library Director Karen Tatarka. "As the weather continues to improve, we hope the community will enjoy the tranquility and the beauty of the new space, which is shaded by the large maple tree at the center of the Newtown Garden Club's knot garden. The library also plans to use the patio for programs, beginning on June 10 with World Wide Knit in Public Day." The Newtown Bee that the bricks can serve as a way to pay tribute to friends and loved ones, to honor a special occasion, or share a favorite quote or thought. "Imagine the memories you'll evoke every time you walk past your brick as you help us deliver our mission," he said.www.chboothlibrary.org/brick-fundraiser.  Forms found there can also be mailed to the library at 25 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470, or stop by the main circulation desk at the library for more information.

Not only will patrons continue to relish the beauty of the patio on the library's south side of the building, but by this fall, visitors should also come to enjoy reading something special there: engraved bricks commemorating friends and family, or sporting favorite quotes.

"Pave The Way" is the library's newest campaign to re-enlist community involvement in the outdoor spaces of the library property, expanding on a brick engraving project begun following the addition to the library in 1998. Those earliest engraved bricks border the winding pathway from the parking lot to the south entrance of the library. An ongoing program, over the years additional personalized bricks have been added to the walkway at the rear entrance to the library.

The revived Pave The Way program is the idea of the C.H. Booth Library Board of Trustees. According to board member Matthew Mihalcik, the board felt that the engraved brick program would be a way to fund the library, and be a means of not relying solely on others in a time of uncertain outside funding.

Pave The Way will bring continuity to the exterior design of the building. "Last summer, when the library redid the patio, the bricks looked kind of out of place without names on them," Mr Mihalcik said.

The board hopes to have 800 laser-engraved bricks purchased by summer's end to enliven the new patio area and support C.H. Booth Library. Northeast Laser out of Monroe will provide laser engraving services. The bricks currently loosely laid in the patio can easily be replaced by newly engraved bricks, said Mr Mihalcik.

Personalized bricks cost $100 each, with proceeds benefiting the many library programs for children, youth, and adults. Personal sentiments can be expressed in up to three lines, with 14 characters per line.

Mr Mihalcik said in a press release provided to

To purchase an engraved brick, visit