NORWICH – In late 2010, Guernsey Memorial Library was awarded a We the People Bookshelf grant by the National Endowment for the Humanities, in cooperation with the American Library Association.

The library was one of 4,000 nationwide selected for the grant, which provided free hardcover editions of 17 classic books based on a Civil War theme of “A More Perfect Union.”

According to Guernsey Memorial Children’s Librarian Kim Hazen, the books tie-in nicely with the 150 year anniversary of the Civil War in 2011. It’s an opportunity for a younger generation to experience a war that still resonates throughout America today, she added.

Children and teens that successfully read two books from the “We the People” collection – through the end of May and in their age category – will receive a prize and certificate, stated Hazen. Reading lists and logs can be found in the children’s area of the library and those who participate should return their logs to Hazen or the circulation desk to claim their prize and certificate, she added.