Talcott Library Patrons Carry on Adopt a Book Tradition

By Marianne Mueller, REPORTER

SUBMITTED PHOTO – The Herald.
A total of 56 books were adopted in 2016 by: (Top left) Kathleen and Delainey Durham, Preston Ross, Librarian Lisa Jolly, Joseph Lovejoy with Dad. (Front row left) Avery, Miles, and Evelyn Lovejoy, Beckett Garrison, and Owen Lovejoy

Talcott Library patrons who were looking for unique gift giving ideas took a unique route. Families and individuals looked no further than beyond the doors of the library, where they discovered the perfect answer for every avid book lover. Fifty-six books have been donated through an adoption process. Each now has a new home in Talcott Library’s permanent collection.

“During this seasonal program, the majority of the books that were adopted were juvenile,” said Children’s Librarian, Lisa Jolly. “We do try to also offer titles from the young adult and adult genre. We try to include something to fit everyone’s reading preference,” Jolly adds.

Types of juvenile fiction covered through this year’s program include, Harry Potter, Magic Tree House, and super heroes to non-fiction titles about animals, skyscrapers, or kids cooking. In the programs 13-year time span, many books have been given from generation to generation. In 2016 most purchases were grandparents buying for their grandchildren. “One set of grandparents purchased one book for each of their 13 grandchildren. I believe that Grandparents use this gift to promote reading and lifelong learning,” said Jolly. Who has also carried the tradition into her own family by presenting books to her own children.

All books that are adopted receive a commemorative book plate, complete with the recipient’s name in honor of the giver and person honored with this special gift. Each is then placed in Talcott Library’s permanent collection. Adoptees are first in line to check out these personally dedicated books. Books may be checked out and read by the public creating a gift that keeps on giving! “We are so grateful to all who so generously participated in this year’s program,” lauds Jolly.