Scranton Library Purchases Children's Books in Honor of the Families of Sandy Hook

On December 6th, 2012, the Scranton Library mailed its annual appeal letter.  In the following weeks, Beth Crowley, Library Director, was surprised and touched to receive a number of donations in honor of the families affected by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.  “I knew we had to do something special with these donations,” Crowley said.  “Even though the monies were given to support the Scranton Library, I wanted to somehow reflect the intent of these gifts.” 

Knowing the power of books to transform lives and create better communities, the decision was made to order 20 picture books in memory of each of the children lost that day and one early literacy teaching guide to honor the six educators who were killed.  In choosing the books, Children’s Librarian Jane Ash said “I chose books I felt those first graders would have wanted to read.  I chose books about friendship because, in the wake of this event, we wanted to focus on titles that will help children learn about and create healthy relationships.”  

Because early literacy instruction is a mission public libraries have in common with the schools, the book Read, Rhyme, and Romp: Early Literacy Skills and Activities for Librarians, Teachers, and Parents by Heather McNeil was purchased in memory of the educators who died trying to protect their students.  “I picked this book because it would have been something the teachers would have been doing with the children in their classrooms,” Ash said. “I hope my choices honor those who lost their lives that day.” 

Each book has been labeled with a special bookplate designed by Crowley and features the logo of the Sandy Hook Promise Organization. Crowley said “I was deeply moved by their beautiful logo depicting 26 handprints in the shape of a tree.  I contacted the group to ask if I could incorporate the logo into a bookplate and they agreed.”  Knowing the picture books would be shared with young children, Crowley chose to keep the inscription simple and without reference to the specific events of December 14, 2012.  “As with the selection of books, we have chosen to focus on promoting a healing and positive message with this project.  I didn’t want to use words like ‘tragedy’ or ‘victims’,” Crowley explained.  Each inscription reads “This book was purchased with funds donated in honor of the families of Newtown, Connecticut.”

A special display of the books has been set up in the Children’s Room and many of the titles have already been checked out.   Crowley said “I went up to look at the books this morning and there is only a handful left.  Jane did an amazing job selecting beautiful titles that will appeal to young children and their families.  We are extremely grateful for the donors who made this project possible.”