Librarian Natalie Thomas timed the annual Book Giveaway at IS 171 in Cypress Hills perfectly. The entire student body — just under 800 students in grades 6, 7 and 8 — was given a book of their own choosing to curl up with and read during the holidays. Students at the Brooklyn school chose from among 25 titles and added the books to their home libraries. This was not assigned reading, but a chance to read for the sheer joy of it. Thomas provided teachers with a summary of all the books ahead of time so that students had a chance to think about their choices prior to the event. “The School of Good and Evil” by Soman Chainani was the favorite choice, she said. Thomas initiated the giveaway when she became librarian at the school’s newly renovated library three years ago. She gets the books through First Book, which has provided more than 100 million books to schools in low-income neighborhoods around the country. Thomas thinks every school librarian should apply for the grant.