OLD SAYBROOK - Free books, free food, and good company: this fun event last Monday afternoon was to celebrate books-and promote the joy of reading through a gift of free books to deserving students.

Old Saybrook High School has teamed with Christine Bairos, the school's library-media specialist, and Wendy Connal, Acton Library's teen librarian, to receive 20 free books each through the World Book Night national program. The event was on April 23, designated World Book Day by the United Nations' Education, Social, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It's also the day that the national group notes is the anniversary of Cervantes's death and of William Shakespeare's birth and death.

More than 22,000 givers throughout the United States, Ireland, and Great Britain gave away 20 free books each on that day.

"Thousands of people will be going out today to spread the joy of reading," Bairos told the students assembled for the event in the Old Saybrook High School library.

Each of Old Saybrook's givers chose one book from the 30 possible titles listed on the World Book Night website. Bairos's choice was The Lovely Bones by Alice Siebold. Connal's was The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie (visit www.us.worldbooknight.org. to view of list of 30 titles).

After a brief speech by Bairos, each student quickly came to the front table for his or her reward: a new book to take home. And then it was time for cake and fresh fruit to celebrate.

The goal of World Book Night is to promote the value of reading, of printed books, and of bookstores and libraries to everyone all year long. Sponsoring companies and organizations support this second annual event by providing funds and in-kind donations to provide the promised 20 free books per giver.