The First annual fun and educational ‘Book Tasting’ event was held in West Hartford on Feb. 27.

Hall High School ‘Book Tasting.’ Photo credit: Terri O’Donnell

Submitted by Jenny Bronson, Student Activities/Career Center Coordinator, Hall High School

Hall’s First Annual Book Tasting event was held in the school library on Friday, Feb. 27, with the goal of promoting literacy and independent reading. The event showcased new books by genre and Hall’s eBook collection, and featured an eBook sign up, a raffle to win Barnes & Noble gift cards, and the chance to sign up for a West Hartford Public Library card and a Connecticut State Library card.

English classes attended the event throughout the school day. Students were each given a Book Tasting “Menu” that encouraged them to “taste” three books in different genres by reading each one for four to five minutes and recording their impressions. Menus were then turned in to the library staff, and students were given raffle tickets for a Book Tasting drawing.

More than $175 in Barnes & Noble gift cards were donated by the English, Reading, Social Studies, and the Library Media Education and Technology departments. Additional raffle prizes included author-signed new books donated by the West Hartford Public Library and new books donated by the Hall Library.

Hall High School ‘Book Tasting.’ Photo credit: Terri O’Donnell

More than 42 students signed up for a new West Hartford Public Library card, and a number of students also signed up for a Connecticut State Library card.

“Walking around the library, we listened to many in-depth talks between students,” said English teacher Melissa Roy. “The discussions and recommendations among peers were refreshing to hear. Additionally, many students took advantage of the opportunity to sign-up for a West Hartford Public Library card. This event was certainly appreciated both by staff and students.”

Hall High School ‘Book Tasting.’ Photo credit: Terri O’Donnell