Norwalk Public Schools Gives Away More Than 50,000 Free Books

NORWALK, CT — Norwalk Public Schools will host the opening ceremony of a First Book 2023 event May 20 at Norwalk High School.

According to a news release provided by the district, "Reading Opens the World," an American Federation of Teachers initiative in partnership with First Book, will be held at 11 a.m.

This year, the district will be giving away over 50,000 free books. The event will also feature food trucks and lots of fun activities, including storytellers, face painting, a petting zoo, hockey lessons with the New York Rangers and much more.

According to the district, having books to read at home and in the classroom is the number one predictor of reading success, however the reality for millions of children from low-income families is that books are an unaffordable luxury.

"Without access to books, and the intervention of great programs and schools, these children are at risk of falling behind in the classroom, the workforce and beyond," the release reads. "In partnership with the American Federation of Teachers, First Book is committed to providing the books and resources our community needs."

Superintendent Alexandra Estrella, Deputy Superintendent Thomas McBryde and Hope Wyatt, president of the Norwalk Federation of Educational Personnel, are expected to attend the event.