Waterford librarian helps to launch new tradition

When Nadine Lipman, the children's librarian at the Waterford Public Library, read an article in December about the second annual Take Your Child to the Bookstore Day, she got an idea.

Why not do something similar with libraries, she thought, something to help libraries get the kind of exposure she believes they deserve? That idea has germinated into Take Your Child to the Library Day - the first of which will be celebrated this Saturday.

With the support of Roslyn Rubinstein, director of the Waterford Library, Lipman posted the idea on 'goodnightmoon.us, a list-serve for anyone involved with children's services at Connecticut public libraries. The email group allows librarians to share ideas, brag about successful programs, vent, learn about continuing education opportunities, and network with colleagues from all over the state.

She also enlisted Stratford librarian Caitlin Augusta who created a Facebook page for the event.

"The response has been incredible," said Lipman. "It's barely been six weeks since the post and at least half the libraries in the state are participating, plus libraries in 12 states and two Canadian provinces that we know of are also on board."

With the blessing of the Connecticut State Library, the Connecticut Library Association and the Connecticut Library Consortium, libraries plan to make the first Saturday in February program an annual event. Their goal: to remind patrons, and especially families, of the importance of instilling a love of reading and promoting childhood literacy through use of libraries and their programs.

Libraries, said Lipman, are an important part of vibrant communities. They are a place to introduce children to the pleasure of reading, and more.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, on the inaugural Take Your Child to the Library Day, the Waterford Library invites families to visit and enjoy storytime, crafts, contests, and appearances by Where's Waldo and popular childrens' entertainer, singer/songwriter Steve Elci.

Other local libraries conducting similar programs:

Starting at 10 a.m. the Mystic & Noank Library will host a chess club for grades 2-8; at 3 p.m. they will show the movie "Zookeeper." Throughout the day children are invited to stop by and make a Valentine to take home and decorate.

At 11 a.m. the Groton Public Library will offer a storytime and book signing with author Tish Rabe, as well as crafts, tours and other activities throughout the day. Groton children, ages 4 and older, can get a free library card.

In the city of Groton, the Bill Memorial Library will host a family storytime with guest readers Marian Galbraith, mayor of the city of Groton, and Heather Bond-Somers, the mayor of the town. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors are invited to participate in drop-in crafts and a scavenger hunt.

At Salem Free Public Library, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., members of the Salem Theater Club will present "Beauty and the Beast" from 1 to 3 p.m., and the Public Library of New London will offer a bookmark craft, special stories and a treat.

At all of the libraries, librarians will be on hand to assist children with obtaining library cards and to navigate the library. They will also make book recommendations.

Lipman is thrilled that so many libraries have embraced the idea of Take Your Child to the Library.

"It's barely been six weeks and the response is phenomenal," she said.