‘8 To 8’ Readathon For Haiti

The C.H. Booth Library will host an “8 to 8 for Haiti” readathon, Sunday, August 8, from 8 am to 8 pm, to raise money to contribute to a Haitian relief fund. Organized by Newtown AmeriCorps volunteer Veronica Parsloe, the event will take place in the upper floor of the library, where participants will gather to read a book of their choice.

Participants are encouraged to bring friends, family members, teachers, students, their children, or anyone with whom they would like to read. Participants under the age of 11 must have a parent or chaperone present. Each participant is encouraged to find sponsors at work, through family, or anyone to help donate to the cause. All donations are accepted.

Reading material can be brought from home or found at the library. Participants will read for an hour and a half, then gather to hear a 20-minute read aloud by a participant or professional storyteller of a picture book, short story, or poem, appropriate to the group. This read aloud will precede discussion or additional break time for the readers.

Readers may bring a blanket or lawn chair to make themselves comfortable. Depending on the weather, readers will be able to read in the Meeting Room or outside in the sun. Breaks will be scheduled every 30 minutes. Snacks and drinks will be provided, but participants may bring their own small meals to eat during the break time or during the read aloud.

The money raised for this event will go toward the Haitian Health Foundation. The foundation works to provide health, food, education, and other necessities for families in Haiti, and will help fund the building of a house, ultimately providing shelter for a Haitian family.

If interested, contact C.H. Booth librarian Kim Weber at 203-426-4533. Print registration will be available at the library, as well as packets for scheduled readers to provide additional information.