To the Editor:

Many of you enjoyed Read-A-Treat on Halloween in front the library. The event was a success and many thanks go out to all those who helped make it happen.

We thought it would be appropriate to let the community know how it came about. The books were collected after a Facebook page –Books for Sandy Hook – was created back in December by one of your neighbors from Monroe, who is also a teacher. Three local businesses Linda's Storytime, Mac Daddy's and Dairy Queen of Monroe all agreed to be collection sites.

Books  arrived from far and near. As we saw your community being overwhelmed with gifts, we decided we didn't want to intrude or make more work for the community so we sorted and boxed the books and then decided to hold on to the collection until the dust settled and  the appropriate time and opportunity to distribute them came.

During the spring we tried to make some connections but it wasn't the right time. On the Sunday before Halloween, the idea was hatched: What if we gave away the books like candy for Halloween? We had no idea of the magnificent evening that happens on Main Street!  We were informed of the events on  Main Street after messaging a friend to see if there was a neighborhood or place where most people went trick or treating in Newtown.

After a few more phone calls, we were able to get in touch with Assistant Director of CH Booth Library Beryl Harrison. Beryl was so enthusiastic. We couldn't have done this without her! By Tuesday at 4 pm she had gotten unanimous approval from the library board, and we were excited. At about 2 pm Thursday we arrived with two tents and 3,000 books and by 4 pm the first Read-a-Treat book was in the hands of a youngster.

We would like to say thank you to the staff of the library, all those who donated the books, and to the communities of Monroe and Newtown. It was an honor to be part of an event that was so well received by both parents and children who were there on Main Street. It is clear that there is a love of reading in Newtown! We hope you enjoy your books as much as we enjoyed your hugs and smiles!

Rebecca and Patti Kallas

23 Elaine Drive, Monroe,                 November 6, 2013