The Battle Of The Books

To the Editor:

As a volunteer as well as a member of the C.H. Booth Library Board of Trustees, I would like to thank Margaret Brown (young adult librarian) and Alana Bennison (children’s librarian) who worked so hard to make the Battle of the Books that was held last Sunday at the library such a roaring success.

They decided to change the format based on a suggestion by one of the young adults to a version of a Jeopardy game that meant each team would answer the same questions. Since there were 15 teams, this meant we needed a playoff on the day of the Battle as well as a final around. It was wonderful to see over 60 children so excited about reading books and willing to stand up in front of an audience and compete. John Renjilian and I had a wonderful time acting as moderators. I told the audience that I appreciated the children’s efforts as well as offered a special thanks to parents who encourage such a love of learning. Thanks also to the parents who helped with the refreshments and all the YA kids who did the scoring, timing, helped hand out programs, and who presented the moderators with the Final Round questions.

As I left the meeting room that afternoon, I once again marveled at how lucky the people of Newtown are to have a library that serves the public so well. Thanks to Janet Woycik, the library director, and her talented staff who make it an honor to serve on the board and to volunteer at such an important town institution.

Sincerely,

Liz Arneth

4 Settlers Lane, Sandy Hook                                        March 31, 2008