Arts & Entertainment

Books, Sweets and a Little Magic

Young Children Soaked Up the Sun at an End of Summer Reading Party at Edith Wheeler Memorial Library.

Children and parents stood in a line under a hot evening sun, as a Rita's Italian Ice employee scooped out fruit flavored slush from oversized tubs.

Families sitting on blankets and folding chairs covered the lawn behind Edith Wheeler Memorial Library and Storm, the big blue Bridgeport Sound Tigers mascot, tried to greet them all.

On Wednesday, the library hosted the End of Summer Reading Party for its youngest readers.

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Doris Zarkar of Monroe, wearing a pair of sunglasses, sat on a blanket while keeping a close eye on her five-year-old-son Kyle.

"I read to him about 1,200 hours," she said.

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Zarkar's older child, daughter Julia, 8, read for close to 16 hours on her own. The titles included Ready Freddy! books by Abby Klein.

Kyla Allen of Monroe attended the party with her baby, seated in a stroller, and her older child, Jocelyn, 3. Allen often takes her children to story time at the library.

She also reads to her children at home. "They enjoy coming to the library and picking new books for the week," Allen said.

Party goers were treated to a show by Danny Magic, performed by Shelton magician Danny Rodrigue.

Library Director Margaret Borchers mingled with parents and appeared to enjoy watching the children have a good time.

"We've had more participants this year," Borchers said of the summer reading program. "This is our best year ever."

Borchers credits the work of Children's Librarian Adrienne Wilson and close collaboration with town schools and businesses for the program's increasing popularity.

Local businesses donated gifts to reward children for meeting reading goals throughout the summer. Prizes included free ice cream and swimming days at Wolfe Park, as well as gift certificates.

"The kids are excited about reading," Borchers said. "And the prizes provided by Monroe businesses."


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