By Elle Wood

HARRINGTON — Angelo Menefee, while originally from Philadelphia, is seeing his three children’s books added to the curricula of a few Delaware schools and to some local libraries.

The Red Clay Consolidated, Colonial and Christina school districts are using his first book, “With the Help of Love, I Can Do Anything,” which tells of young children learning everyday tasks — for instance, brushing their teeth. But they also find out the importance of love and how it helps them reach their goals.

Mr. Menefee’s other books revolve around a character named “Billy,” who learns what it is like to get his first job and work for his own money. They’re titled “Billy’s First Summer Vacation” and “Billy’s First Summer Job.”

Area kids can hear the stories firsthand Wednesday at 10:45 a.m., when Mr. Menefee visits the Harrington Public Library. Call 302-398-4647 to register.

Also, the author plans to donate a copy of each of his books to the library to add to its collection.

Mr. Menefee’s start in writing stemmed from his work as an engineer at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. It was there he saw many children coming in as victims of violence.

“During that era (the 1980s), it was a revolving door for children at the inner-city hospitals,” he said. “There were teenagers coming in and out of there, and that got me thinking that there can’t be that bad of a structure.”

He hopes that all his writings help children learn lessons and keep them from the dangers that life may hold.

“Adults have already made their path,” explained Mr. Menefee. “They already have their dream that leads to their life bridge. People have to move forward and raise their bar.”

He added that his main goal is to serve the community. “I like what I do. I enjoy helping people,” he said.

However, he understands he can’t change many things.

“You can’t stop the violence, and you can’t stop the drugs,” said Mr. Menefee. “But you can support the parents that try to understand their children because you can’t underestimate unless you talk to them.”

Though he has only lived in Harrington for about four years, he has grown a strong connection to the town and wants to support the area in any way he can.

“If everything works well, I will continue to work with the children and the schools in the area,” said Mr. Menefee. “I am appreciative of the mayor of Harrington (Duane Bivans). He’s a champion to me, and he likes what I have to offer to the community.

“I told him that I am going to do as much as my heart allows me to do to assist him and his staff.”

Outside of writing and outreach, Mr. Menefee enjoys cooking, spending time with his grandchildren and flying kites.

But service means the most to him, and he will continue to do what he can, while remembering the mantra, “If you can help one, you can teach one.”