R.J. Julia Gives Books to New Haven Students

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of R.J. Julia Booksellers, staff members from the Madison, Connecticut, store distributed free books to students in nearby New Haven.

Twenty thousand books, donated by publishers – who “blushingly would like to remain anonymous,” said manager Karen Corvello – went to students in 38 New Haven elementary and middle schools.

Store owner Roxanne Coady finished off the book donation with a speech about the importance of books: “The kids from King/Robinson Magnet School assembled to hear Roxanne talk about her love of books and how reading can change lives and make leaders out of them. She made the kids promise to read every day for at least 10 minutes, and encouraged them to read aloud – to their younger siblings, to their parents, to their neighbors,” said Corvello.