Books link firm to young readers

HOLYOKE - It took Michael Navarro no more than 10 minutes to examine the new books in his library at Dr. Marcella Kelly School and start getting involved in a story.

"I liked the picture on the cover and I wanted to find out

what the story is about," the 10-year-old fourth-grader said.

The book Navarro had selected, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane," by Kate DiCamillo, was one of about 150 books donated to Dr. Marcella Kelly School through Links to Libraries last week.

The donation of about $300 came from Meyers Brothers Kalicka Accounting firm and was given to Links to Libraries. While the company could have donated the books directly, it felt it was better to do it through Links to Libraries, said David Kalicka, a partner in the firm.

Links to Libraries is a nonprofit organization that collects children's literature and monetary donations in order to send new books to underserved elementary school libraries. It was founded by East Longmeadow residents Susan Jaye-Kaplan and Janet Crimmins.

The only thing Kalicka asked from the organization is that his firm's donation be used to help a school in Holyoke.

"I graduated from Holyoke High and Dr. Kelly (who the school is named after) was my dad's English teacher," Kalicka said.

Additionally, Kalicka's wife, Janet L. Kalicka, is a guidance counselor at Lt. Clayre P. Sullivan School, which received books from Links to Libraries a year ago, he said.

"I wanted to spread the wealth and they deserve it and they are in need," Janet Kalicka said, explaining why she recommended another school receive the books.

Looking through the donations, Susan P. Cornell, the librarian-teacher for Kelly School, said she was delighted with the range. There were a number of classics such as those by Dr. Seuss, non-fiction books and chapter books for older students.

She said this year has been difficult because the library's budget was reduced due to budget cuts.

The books were mostly geared to students from kindergarten through grade five. The school also has sixth, seventh and eighth grades, but those children will benefit as well because many like to read the non-fiction books.

Many non-fiction books, especially those dealing with sports, insects and spiders, are very popular with Kelly students. Cornell said she was happy to see there was a variety in the collection given to the school.

Fourth-grader Iraliz Suarez, 9, also quickly selected a book to read from the new collection. As visitors were leaving, she sat down at a table and began reading "Arthur and the Big Blow-up" by Joe Fallon.

"It is pretty good so far," she said. "It is about a fight between friends."