Groton Human Services distributes bags of books to kids
Groton — Groton Social Worker Deb Burke said she knows how much kids, particularly young kids, love books.
“Most kids, if given the opportunity, will love to have a special book,” she said.
To ensure kids still have access to books, Groton Human Services staff began this week offering bags with children’s books to families who stop by for food.
While its building is closed to the public during the pandemic, Groton Human Services is continuing to offer food to Groton households in need. Town residents can call to schedule appointments in advance and then drive to the basement door of the building, where they are handed food bags to minimize contact according to health district guidelines, Human Services Director Marge Fondulas said.
Office Assistant Megan Freeman said she came up with the idea of also offering book bags to families with children, to provide a little extra surprise for kids at home and give them an activity they will enjoy.
The Human Services building lobby has book shelves with children’s books that operates like a free library, where people visiting the building can pick up books throughout the year, Freeman said. The books come from donations and from Branford-based Read to Grow, which distributes “free books, literacy resources and workshops to families, child-care providers, teachers, doctors, health-care groups, library programs, and many nonprofits,” according to its website.
Freeman said she wanted to make sure families still had access to the books and thought it was particularly important, since the library is closed.
Human Services staff sorted the books this past week and assembled bags with a variety of picture books and education books for younger kids and bags with various chapter books for older kids.
Freeman said they put together about 20 to 25 book bags for younger kids, and 7 to 10 bags for older kids. The staff has some more books in the basement that they could use to replenish the supply, if needed.
Burke said that while having books to read is always important, it’s particularly important at this time when kids are home and parents are looking for activities for them.
She said the families she’s given the book bags to had big smiles on their faces.
“We’re hoping the books will encourage families to spend some quality time reading together and also offer young children the opportunity to expand their reading skills,” Fondulas added. “Even in this high tech world, kids still get excited by books that teach them about their world and stories that expand their imagination.”