Saturday is Take Your Child to the Library Day. Local libraries are hosting crafts, storytimes and dogs
Taking kids to libraries at a young age is essential to getting them into the reading and learning vibe early and forever, experts say.
On Saturday, that philosophy is celebrated statewide with the annual Take Your Child to the Library Day.
Marie Jarry, director of public services at Hartford Public Library, said the day is important for kids and adults, who may remember libraries as forbiddingly quiet places.
“The library is important to a child’s success. Storytimes are building blocks to school success because children who are readers become leaders,” Jarry said.
Farmington Public Library’s Children’s Librarian Ericka Bajrami said libraries are about more than reading. “At libraries, families meet, kids meet in programs or when they come into our space. They form relationships,” she said.
Bailey Francis, head of children’s services at Lucy Robbins Welles Library in Newington, said the earlier kids go to the library, the more comfortable they will feel there. “If they see it is a welcoming place earlier, the longer their relationship will sustain through the years,” Francis said.
Other library offerings include free internet access and help with studying from librarians or free online tutoring services.
All the librarians said the pandemic made families more appreciative of libraries.
“People were clamoring for connection. When we reopened our doors parents would bring kids but it wasn’t just the kids they came for. They missed that social interaction with other parents,” Jarry said.
Hartford
Hartford Public Library is spreading the festivities across three days, because not all branches are open on Saturdays. Six branches will participate. The Ropkins branch is closed for renovations and the main branch is closed due to water damage.
The days will feature storytimes, balloon twisting, school choice assistance, library bag and bookmark decorating, henna workshop, canvas painting, scavenger hunt, bingo and raffle prizes.
Events will be at Boundless @ Rawson, 260 Holcomb St., on Feb. 2 from 4 to 5 p.m.; Barbour, 261 Barbour St., on Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Campfield, 30 Campfield Ave., on Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; at Dwight, 7 New Park Ave., on Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; at Albany, 1250 Albany Ave., on Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and at Park, 603 Park St., on Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other libraries
Other libraries statewide have activities on Feb. 4. A map is at ctlibrarians.org/page/tycldct. Here are a few Capitol Area highlights. Some activities require pre-registration. Check library websites.
Jocelyn Pleasant & the Lost Tribe, singing songs of West Africa, perform at 10:30 a.m. at Mary Cheney Library, 586 Main St. in Manchester.
At Prosser Public Library, 1 Tunxis Ave. in Bloomfield, a Rainbow Fish costumed character will appear from 1 to 2 p.m., preceded by stories at 12:30 p.m. Fish-themed origami, crafts, coloring, button making. Live music by Mike Markowitz. Read to a therapy dog from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m.
Cora J. Belden Library, 33 Church St. in Rocky Hill, has a theme “Birds of Prey/Night and Day.” A live raptor presentation by Horizon Wings is at 2 p.m. Bird scavenger hunt and craft.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St., will have a Teddy Bear Sleepover. Children can bring their teddy to the library on Friday from 3:30 to 5 p.m., wish them goodnight, take a teddy selfie and tuck them in. Teddies can be picked up Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Kids can see photos of everything their teddies did at the party. Goodie bags to all participating children.
Hall Memorial Library, 93 Main St. in Ellington, will be turned into a two-story miniature golf course from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There also will be raffles, food and a strolling musician.
At Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, it’s Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. From 10 a.m. to noon, children will receive free ice cream while supplies last.
Susan Dunne can be reached at sdunne@courant.com.
