Take You Child to the Library Day is now marking its fifth year. Nadine Lipman, who was head of children's services at Waterford Public Library before retiring, originated the idea, and it's flourished ever since.

On Saturday, libraries around the region will offer a slew of special activities in conjunction with the celebration. Here's a round-up of some of the entertainment to be had:

Groton Public Library hosts a party with a "Star Wars" theme, and visitors are invited to show up in their best "Star Wars" costume. Otis Library in Norwich brings in author Jason Deeble, author of the picture book "Sir Ryan's Quest" and the webcomic "Monster Haiku," while New London Public hosts Cindy Samul, author of the graphic novel "Snowman Amuck." The New London site also gives kids the chance to read to a therapy dog, listen to stories, sing songs and make a book.

At Waterford Public Library and at the Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, youths can make a craft. At Bill Memorial Library in Groton, they can try a library scavenger hunt and select a free book they can keep.

East Lyme Public Library is expanding on the idea and is devoting all week to the "Take Your Child to the Library" notion. From this past Monday through Saturday, the library is handing out free bookmarks and stickers and is hosting a variety of guests.

Take Your Child to the Library Day — 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, 2 Library Lane; crafts, stories, a photo booth and more for all ages; free; registration required; (860) 434-1684.

Take Your Child to the Library Day — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Public Library of New London, 63 Huntington St.; stories 10:30-11 a.m.; read to therapy dogs, noon-2 p.m.; free; (860) 447-1411.

Take Your Child to the Library Day — 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Waterford Public Library, 49 Rope Ferry Road; all-day crafts; free; (860) 444-5805.

Take Your Child to the Library Day — 10 a.m., Stonington Free Library, 20 High St.; celebration with "Beauty and the Beast's" Belle; free; (860) 535-0658.

Take Your Child to the Library Day — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Bill Memorial Library, 240 Monument St., Groton; make a penguin craft to take home; hot cocoa, scavenger hunt, photo booth; (860) 445-0392.

Take Your Child to the Library Day — 11 a.m.-noon, Otis Library, 261 Main St., Norwich; Jason Deeble author of the picture book "Sir Ryan's Quest" and webcomic "Monster Haiku"; free; (860) 887-2365.

Take Your Child to the Library Day — 1-3 p.m., Groton Public Library, Route 117; children encouraged to dress as their favorite "Star Wars" character for a "Star Wars"-themed party; cake to celebrate Stretch the giraffe's birthday at 2 p.m.; activities, crafts; free; (860) 441-6750.