Dear
Ms. Cutler,
My
name is Carol Fitzpatrick, Children's Librarian for the Walpole
Public Library in Massachusetts, and I have the daily joy of
bringing my love of reading to the children of our wonderful
Town. Sparking and instilling this love of rich literature is
so fulfilling for me, I truly believe I have the best job in
the world!
Our
Town of Walpole reminds me very much of Thornton Wilder's Our
Town where you'll find earnest, kind and simple living
people who encourage fairness and courage in their children.
With our Nation's current sorrow and despair, I came up with
a special program to help the families of our Town overcome
these adversities... This is a whole Town Reading Program with
the hopes that all or most people in Walpole will read ONE chosen
book followed with book discussion. The selected book of honor
is your book, Cello of Mr. O. I have read so many stories
over my years as a children's librarian but none has portrayed
hope in such an uplifting, magnificent way!
Walpole
is about 25 miles south of Boston and has a population of about
20,000. We would dearly love for you to visit us, perhaps, some
time between January 2002 and April 2002. Your presence would
really inspire so many people. I have a column in our local
paper called The Children's Corner and we have a cable
program, as well. Lots of people will know of you and your book
this way.
I
hope you are able to come. We will be able to pay for your expenses,
or course. Please consider our invitation, will you?
Happy
thanksgiving to you and thank you for writing your story!
Sincerely
yours,
Carol
Fitzpatrick
