CL: On April 4, 2001 at the CLA annual conference, you spoke about Books to Dreams, Inc. (BTD), a literacy program for children and parents in homeless shelters. You mentioned the "BTD/CLA Connection." What is it and what can CLA do to support BTD?

ME: I was amazed at the real interest shown in BTD at that conference and I've been working on an idea that would use readily available resources for the children who need them. Every library has books they discard, Every community has groups looking to perform community services. Those two resources are already in place. Now, imagine the wonderful magic that can occur if these books are given to children in need as they visit their local soup kitchens for food.

CL: What made you think of a BTD/CLA Connection" .

ME: Since I began this work ten years ago, many libraries have generously donated their deaccessioned books to the pro- gram. Books from libraries are . usually in hard covers and quite heavy compared to the paper- backs that I distribute to children in shelters... I bring hundreds of books with me to each program (at 11 different shelters); it is impractical to use heavy library books there. But I began to wonder if there was a way to use this resource and I also wondered if the discard stamp had to be used. I met with State Representative Jack Thompson (a champion of BTD), Democrat of Manchester, to see if there was a law mandating such a stamp. He said that there was no such law and agreed that it would be wonderful if discarded library books could be given to children in soup kitchens across the state.

CL: How will the BTD/CLA Connection work?

ME: Ideally, it begins at the library. Instead of stamping a book as "Discarded" or "Withdrawn" the book will receive a BTD label that encourages reading. The deaccessioned books can be held in a library work or storage area. Then, a community service group or volunteer will pick them up on an agreed upon schedule, place BTD labels in them, and deliver them to the soup kitchen.

CL: Why should libraries ex- change their "Discard" stamps for BTD labels?

ME: Deaccessioned library books are usually worn or no longer circulating, but they are often classics or other wonderful books and still can be enjoyed. However, removing or covering over the word "Discarded" or "Withdrawn" is very time consuming. BTD Volunteers and I have spent hundreds of hours in this process so that we can give these books to children, The BTD program is committed to distribute only new books or books that are still in very good condition. The word "Discarded," if allowed to remain in a book, can send the child a message that he or she is being given a book that nobody else wants. We want to avoid this unfortunate and hurtful message being conveyed to children who are already in need.

CL: Is the CLA/BTD Connection in place in a Connecticut library?

ME: Yes, I'm happy to say that this program has begun in two towns. Tina Panik, branch assistant at the Farmington Public Library, delivers books to us at Coleman of Mercy House Neighborhood Services in Hartford. Tina heard my presentation at the CLA annual meeting and was the very first to respond to this Idea! She says, "It's absolutely rewarding!"

In Canterbury, Joy Kowal and her youth group at St. Augustine's Church have connected with Marion Sheehan, director of' the Canterbury Public Library. Sister Peter, volunteer coordinator at Holy Family Home and Shelter in Willimantic, was instrumental in identifying this BTD/CLA Connection for Joy. Marion had already stopped stamping the word discard a few weeks before I spoke with her. Joy and her group pick up the books, process them, and take them to the Norwich Soup Kitchen. We are most grateful that these individuals are willing and able to begin this dream, and it's working very well.

CL: What kind of groups are looking for community service?

ME: The public is much more aware now than they were five years ago about the importance of providing community services. In the past ten years, since I've been working on children's literacy in homeless shelters and other places. the Program has received tremendous assistance front middle schools, high schools, colleges, and church and scout groups. Most public libraries also have Friends groups and, often, these are the volunteers who process deaccessioned books. That seems like an obvious place to look for a person who wants to create the BTD/CLA Connection.

CL: Does BTD use only children’s books? What population are you reaching?

ME: Yes. this is a children's program. BTD has focused on children because we hope to encourage them to become lifelong readers. If they are given books to keep, they can begin to form their own libraries. BTD also provides children's books for soup kitchens, children's libraries in shelters, low income neighborhoods, and children's organizations.

CL: How can librarians find information about setting up a BTD/CLA Connection?

ME: For seven years BTD volunteers and I have been been setting up book areas, either boxes or bookcases, in nine soup kitchens where volunteers deliver and organize children's books on a regular basis. These are: Salvation Army Friendship Center in New Britain, Loaves and Fishes in Hartford, Isaiah Covenant in Willimantic Cornerstone in Rockville. salvation Army in Bristol, Loaves and Fishes in Enfield, Good Sheherd in Manchester as well as the two mentioned above.

Once library staff are interested in establishing a BTD/CLA Connection and have lined up volunteers, I will be happy to give them information about the soup kitchens that are located nearest to their library. I will also supply the library with BTD labels to place inside the books, replacing the "Discarded" stamp, and a large poster to place on the wall at the soup kitchen near the children's books.

I have spoken with many librarians about the CLA/BTD Connection. They think it's a great idea because they are always looking for places to give their discarded hooks. They seem to think that it wouldn't be any extra work and, as a matter of fact, several felt that it would reduce the time they spent on the process. I look, forward to hearing from anyone who would like to make the BTD/CLA Connection for his or her library. Please contact me and I will get back to you as soon as I can..