Shoppers had armloads of children’s books within minutes of the Newtown Farmers Market opening on July 21, the first day the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library sold items at the market.

Denise Kaiser, Friends of the C.H. Booth Library book sale chairperson, was one of the volunteers overseeing the new booth at the market, and she said the group figured it was a good idea to work with the Newtown Farmers Market to sell books to patrons.

“The farmers market feeds your body and we feed your mind,” Kaiser said.

For decades, local readers have been able to shop to their hearts’ delight at the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library’s annual book sale or visit its Little Book Store at the library. In lieu of those outlets this year, the group is bringing books to readers by participating in the farmers market.

Kaiser said the selection on Tuesday was not as full as people are used to seeing at the annual book sale. Only children’s items — books, puzzles, games, and media — were available the first day at the market “because we know there is a great demand for children’s items.”

“People seemed to be so happy to see books at the farmers market that this coming week, in addition to children’s books, the Friends will also offer popular adult paperbacks like sci-fi, mystery, and romance... perfect summer reading,” Friends of C.H. Booth Library President Toni Earnshaw said, after the day concluded.

The Newtown Farmers Market is set to be open at Fairfield Hills from 2 to 6:30 pm every Tuesday through October 27.

All of the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library stock that will be offered at the farmers market has come from storage, according to Kaiser, and patrons are asked to sanitize their hands between touching items at the booth.

Some changes for the Newtown Farmers Market this year, due to pandemic precautions, include enforcing social distancing and separating vendors by 12 feet. Masks that cover the nose and mouth must be worn by vendors and shoppers alike, as previously reported by The Newtown Bee. Pre-ordering from vendors is encouraged through the vendors’ websites or Google forms. Links to the websites are available at newtownctfarmersmarket.com.

Friends of the C.H. Booth Library also recently announced that until the library reopens to the general public, it will not be possible for the group or the library staff to accept any donated items. Visit the group’s website, boothbooksale.org, for new guidelines for donations and for information about making a donation or becoming a member.