Dear Editor,

I have been impressed by the articles about the Avon Library in the last few papers. It sounds like a fun place to visit with lots of energy and projects going on to keep everyone busy especially the children. I grew up in Avon in the 50's and 60's. My Mother, Thelma Engel and a friend Mary Borin, with a group of ladies started the library I believe in the 60's. They used an empty building on Main street and filled it with books that were donated from local citizens. They also, I believe worked with the State Bookmobile agency to get books that were circulated throughout the state going from small town to small town so lots of people could have access to reading materials. I don't remember all the details but it was a work of love completed by these ladies who all loved to read. They took turns working at the desk checking out books, keeping things in order, having story hour and other activities for children and working to continually bring in more books to add to the inventory. I don't believe they ever received "pay" for their work (at least at the beginning), it was volunteer work that created the library. Down through the years some of their children, my sister Pat (Engel) Odens was one of them, took over responsibilities of running the library and other community members also stepped in to keep it alive. I have been gone from Avon for a long time and most of the group who started the project have passed away. I'm sure their are people in Avon who can give a more complete story, then I can, of how the library has stayed alive and is an important resource for children and adults in the community today. My congratulations go out to all the citizens of Avon and the surrounding area as well as the businesses who have donated their time, energy, ideas, resources and money to keep the library a vital part of the community.

Mary Jane (Engel) Hewett

Former resident of Avon and Graduate of Avon Public School

"Go Pirates"