Thanks to the generosity of a Swampscott family, the Swampscott Public Library now contains books about children with Down syndrome — just in time for World Down Syndrome Day Thursday.
Stefani and Paul Buonopane, who have a daughter, Felicity, with Down syndrome, partnered with Northeast Arc and its CEO, Jo Ann Simons, and their family, to donate 16 books that promote inclusion, education and acceptance.
A few of the books were read aloud at an event held Monday night at the library.
“My Friend Isabelle,” by Eliza Woloson and Bryan Gough, focuses on the friendship between two children, one with Down syndrome and one without. It celebrates the ways they are similar, yet different.
“I Can, Can You,” by Marjorie W. Pitzer, features children with Down syndrome doing everything a typical child would do. “We have read this book to Felicity since she was a newborn,” Stefani said. “She gets to see babies and children like her playing, reading, swimming. We hope this will teach Felicity that she can do anything.”
The Buonopanes have created an Amazon wish list should others like to purchase these books for their families or to donate to local schools or libraries. The list can be found at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3UE3BH2ZM4N8A
“We hope that these books become wonderful resources for the Swampscott community,” Stefani Buonopane said.
