As TV camera crews clamored for footage of Cambridge elementary school students drinking Hi-C, newly declared New York Senate candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton showed her support for children's literacy at a Charles Hotel book signing yesterday evening.

The First Lady's brief address to the crowd of about 100 invited guests did not touch on political issues. She fielded no questions from members of the news media, focusing instead on her appreciation for noted author, playwright and screenwriter David Mamet's new children's book, Henrietta.

Clinton also proclaimed her support for Reach Out and Read, the Boston-based national literacy program that benefited from the $250 each guest paid to attend the event.

"Reading," said Clinton, "can open up doors and windows to a child that would otherwise be closed."

Led by Boston Medical Center pediatricians, Reach Out and Read advocates exposing children to books early and often. The group helps distribute books to children during their visits to doctors for routine check-ups across the country.

According to Clinton, the program provides "a prescription for reading."

"[Clinton] has done a lot for us," said Perri E. Klass '78-'79, Reach Out and Read's medical director. "She's a person of remarkable vision and intelligence."

The candidate seemed to find few detractors in the crowd, which cheered loudly as Richard Friedman, owner of the Charles Hotel and a friend of the Clintons, introduced her by saying that she "will be the best senator New York has ever had."