To the Editor:

For the 20-plus years that I have lived in Newtown, I have always considered the C. H. Booth Library “the happiest place in town.” A special place to get away from the tedium of every day life and meet kind, considerate people always ready with a smile and helpful hand. Even after the bleakest day in our town's history, the Booth Library provided friendly respite from the realities of the outside world.

Unfortunately, in the midst of Newtown’s emotional healing process it appears, the library board has seen fit to change the personality of our “happy place” into a fractious, less-inviting public institution that would give Mary Hawley reason to be disturbed.

Ray Shaw

55 Eden Hill Road, Newtown                       August 21, 2013