5,225 Books In 5 Weeks

To the Editor:

Annually the C.H. Booth Library sponsors a summer reading program to encourage children to read throughout the summer. Research has shown that children who are proficient readers are more successful in school. This year 602 children ages 4 through grade five participated in our summer reading program.  They read a total of 5,225 books in just five short weeks.  In the month of July the children’s department circulated more than 14,000 items. Who said no one uses the library anymore?

Several programs were offered for both children and young adults. Attendance for juvenile programs topped 800 and 165 attended the young adult offerings. A special thank you to the Newtown Hook and Ladder, Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue, and Newtown Ambulance Corps for their informative programs.  Thanks to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring: “Bubblemania” and “Super Science Workshops.” I would also like to thank My Place and Dunkin’ Donuts for offering free pizza and donuts to our young readers.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the 40 young adults who volunteered 392 hours of their time to meet with children and talk about what they were reading. Under the guidance of our Young Adult Librarian, Margaret Brown, circulation in the YA section of the library has increased 25 percent over last year and there are 30 active members in the Young Adult council who meet regularly to review books and plan programs.

Motivating children to become readers is the responsibility of the adults who care about them. The library is here to assist anyone who needs our expertise and wishes to take advantage of our vast resources to create a love of reading in all of our children.

Sincerely,

Alana Meloni

Children’s Librarian

C.H. Booth Library

25 Main Street, Newtown                                          August 10, 2004