BRATTLEBORO — Friends of Brooks Memorial Library will participate in World Book Night, on April 23, 2013, when more than 25,000 volunteers across America- or “givers,” as they are called - will gift more than a half million books to residents in their communities.
Brattleboro resident Kristine Alden will coordinate this nonprofit event, which began in the United Kingdom a few years ago and is now celebrating its second year in the United States.
Alden participated as a “giver” last year, and she can share her experience as well as provide suggestions for places you might be able to donate your books. She can be reached at kris.brattreads@gmail.com.
The deadline for applying is Jan. 23, 2013.
This project is geared towards introducing the joy and power of reading to people who may not be readers: perhaps haven't read since high school, or just don't have access to books and libraries.
Last year, books were given out at senior centers, unemployment offices, hospital emergency rooms, shelters, soup kitchens and youth centers. Book givers handed out books to surprised commuters on the bus, at a train station and on the Staten Island Ferry, and to teenagers at a local park.
The new books are donated by the publishers, and range from “My Antonia” by Willa Cather to “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury; Walter Mosley's “Devil in a Blue Dress” to “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coehlo (in both English and Spanish versions); children's classics such as “The Phantom Tollbooth” and New York Times bestsellers such as “Bossy Pants” by Tina Fey.
The 30 different book titles offer a diverse and fascinating view into the many books people love. Visit www.us.worldbooknight.org/books/2013, take a look at this year's books and pick your first, second, and third choices, and complete a brief application explaining why you want to participate and where you would like to give out books.