WESTFIELD-For reading enthusiasts, the Westfield Council on Aging is giving away bundles of books in several genres on Jan. 14.
“The books had been piling up at the Westfield Senior Center before the pandemic,” said Tina Gorman, executive director, Westfield Council on Aging. “With the extended closure of the building, the staff has been able to sort out a variety of closets, cabinets, drawers, and shelves, including the book shelves in the Fireside Lounge.”
Joyce Peregrin, who serves as the companion program coordinator, spearheaded the project.
“Prior to her position at the Council on Aging, Joyce served as the public services librarian at the Westfield Athenaeum for more than 20 years,” said Gorman. “So Joyce was the absolute perfect staff member to tackle the book bundle project.”
Each bundle, consisting of three books, will be classified according to genre as opposed to authors, noted Gorman.
Book bundle categories range from mystery, thriller and romance, to science fiction and westerns. Some bundles are hardcover and some are paperbacks.
Bundles of books will be distributed Jan. 14 – curbside – at the Westfield Senior Center. (WESTFIELD COUNCIL ON AGING PHOTO)
The book bundles will be distributed during and directly following the curbside lunch meal.
“If you are picking up lunch that day, you may get your books as you come through the line,” said Gorman, adding, “otherwise, you may pick up your book bundle between 11:30 and 12:30.”
Gorman said persons picking up a book bundle are asked to remain in their vehicle for the curbside project.
“All you have to do is name a genre, and we’ll hand you a bundle of books,” said Gorman.
In the event of inclement weather, the book bundle event will be rescheduled in February and the date will be posted in the Westfield Senior Center’s monthly Voice of Experience newsletter.
“The only catch is that you may not give these books back to us,” said Gorman. “Instead, please pass them on to friends, family, and other reading enthusiasts.”
Free bundles of books will be offered curbside on Jan. 14 at the Westfield Senior Center. (WESTFIELD COUNCIL ON AGING PHOTO)
For the safety of everyone involved on that day, Gorman asked that drivers put their face mask on when they roll down their vehicle window.
For more information on any of the Council on Aging services, call (413) 562-6435.
