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FAIRFIELD, Conn. Don't be surprised next Monday night if a stranger walks up to you in the Fairfield area, hands you a copy of a bestselling book and walks away without taking anything in return.
If that happens, dont be alarmed. Chances are its just Craig Kennedy or another volunteer for World Book Night.
Its like a random act of kindness, spreading a great book throughout the community, said Kennedy, the Fairfield University Bookstores deputy trade manager and community liaison.
Next Monday, volunteers in more than 5,000 towns across the United States will hand out free copies of a few select bestsellers at community centers, hospitals or even on the street. The idea behind the program is to target new or infrequent readers in spots where books arent normally found.
The Fairfield University Bookstore has become a hub for the program by giving volunteers their supplies. Kennedy, who brought the project to the shop, said the 26 volunteers that came through Fairfield will head to places such as Bridgeport Hospital, Operation Hope and Stamfords South End neighborhood.
Betsy Bowen, who picked up her supplies Monday, said she would focus on Mercy Learning Center. The Bridgeport organization helps women earn high school diplomas and other certifications to start new careers. I think there will be a good audience for this there, Bowen said.
World Book Night started in the United Kingdom last year, and this is the first time it will be done in the United States. Groups in Germany will also take part.
Volunteers got their pick of 30 books, donated free by publishers. Each volunteer receives 20 copies of their choice. This years selections include The Hunger Games, The Lovely Bones and Because of Winn Dixie.
It makes perfect sense to me that World Book Night will take place in spring, Winn Dixie author Kate DiCamillo said in a statement. Extending your hand to give someone a book, a story, is a gesture of hope and joy. It is a chance for all of us, givers and receivers, to break into blossom.
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