Cindy Haiken, Wallingford Public Library’s reading advisory librarian, is known as an “exquisite bibliophile,” or in other words, someone who really, really, really loves books. Her obsession for reading has birthed a whole program dedicated to books to be released called “Book Buzz.”

Book Buzz is an opportunity for Haiken to talk about books that are on the horizon that are already generating a lot of conversations in literary spaces. It started in Wallingford Public Library, where C.H. Booth Library Director Jenn Nash used to work. It was an opportunity for library patrons to support the library off-site, at The Library Wine Bar & Bistro, or what used to be the old Wallingford library.

Through their connection, Nash asked Haiken if she would expand her program and bring it down to Newtown. Haiken’s answer was a resounding “yes.”

“[Nash] reached out to me months ago and said that they wanted to do a fundraiser for the library … I was actually astonished that she thought that would be a draw,” Haiken shared with a humble laugh. “I was like, ‘sure, I’d be honored, honestly, to come and do it.’”

Nash described Haiken as “a really energetic, captivating speaker.” Nash said, “It’s bound to be an interesting and fun and upbeat time, and who doesn’t love having a glass of wine or beer while you get to sit and listen to someone talk about books for a little while?”

What Is A ‘Book Buzz?’

A Book Buzz is an opportunity, as mentioned above, for avid readers to learn about books that are soon-to-be published and what they are about. Haiken extensively researches several genres and compiles handouts that have over 600 books between all of them.

Haiken breaks the list down into genres, such as history and politics, “other fiction,” which encompasses sci-fi and fantasy, and popular fiction, which she described as being “your James Patterson” type of books.

“Fall is the biggest publishing time of the year ... because books are big holiday gifts. Publishers tend to … save the books that they think are going to be the biggest deal across all genres for the fall,” Haiken explained. She said this helps the books “not peak too early.”

At the event, Haiken does encourage attendees to take notes and ask questions. She said that when people ask questions, she knows what they are focusing on and paying attention to.

Haiken said, “Public [libraries are] essential to any town, and supporting [them], therefore, is key. It’s mandatory, even. Public libraries are central to communities … and we need them.” She hopes Newtown residents will come out because, as she said, “nothing fun is going on Monday nights!”

The program is scheduled for Monday, September 15, 6 pm, at Marygold’s on Main, 19 Main Street. Tickets are $45 and include one beer/wine and an assortment of hors d’oeuvres. Ticket sales help directly support the library and its funding. Seating is limited, so be sure to snag a ticket soon at the library’s website, chboothlibrary.org.

=====

Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.