Summer Reading Program Kicks Off Saturday

School may be winding down this week but the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library is determined to keep Monroe's youth reading and learning this summer. This Saturday, June 25, from 10 am to 4 pm, the library is hosting its Summer Reading Kick-Off Party and International Festival. In keeping with the program's theme-- “One World, Many Stories” — an exciting array of activities with a foreign flair will take place throughout the day.

Spearheading the event is the new Children's Librarian, Libby Mueller. A resident of Ridgefield, Mueller has extensive experience working in university, municipal and school libraries. Most recently, she was employed as a part-time Children's Librarian at the Greenwich Library. Mueller's professional background also includes a five-year stint as school media specialist for Ridgefield's public schools.

Mueller said that she is excited to join the team at the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library. “This is a great, new space to be in,” she commented.

Aside from its attractive facade, Mueller pointed out that the library's children's department is thriving.

Mueller said, “There's already so much going on.”

When asked about upcoming plans, though, Mueller said that she'd like to increase the number of book discussions offered for all ages.

She also would like to overhaul the toddler area. “I'm looking forward to filling the shelves and I'm excited to grow the collection, especially the picture books,” Mueller said. “I want to make the area used by children, ages zero to two, very inviting.”

Having come on board only a few weeks ago — her start date was May 31 — Mueller credits the planning of this year's summer reading program to her predecessor, Adrienne Wilson.

“I have to thank Adrienne,” Mueller said. “She booked all of the performers and did the brochure.”

Mueller pointed out that “there is something going on” every day at the library. The Summer Reading Kick-Off International Festival will feature entertainment from The Lenihan School of Irish Dance and a Zumba demonstration. Children will have the opportunity to make a pinata, do a bead craft project, learn origami and listen to African drumming. As in previous years, families are encouraged to bring their own chalk and decorate the library's sidewalks.

“There will be something for everyone to do no matter what time you get here,” Mueller said.

Children, teens and adults should also plan to register for the summer reading program on Saturday. In keeping with its international theme, this year children will receive a passport that they will use to keep track of the books read. Every time they come into the library, a children's librarian will stamp the passport and distribute 'incentive prizes,' such as gift certificates for ice cream from Rita's and McDonald's. They will also receive raffle tickets for weekly drawings.

According to Lorna Rhyins, Adult/Teen Services Librarian, teens and adults will go online to log the books that they've read. For every three hours of reading for teens and 300 pages read by adults, a raffle ticket will be given. Two abundant gift baskets — filled with gift certificates to local restaurants, spas, hair salons and lawn and gardening retail stores, and much more — will be raffled off at the end of the summer. The teen and adult readers who have the highest number of books read will also be entered into a special drawing for a large gift basket from Costco.

“We couldn't have this program without the support of all of our local merchants and the entire community,” said Mueller.

Rhyins said that youth will be able to learn about how to draw manga at Saturday's Kick-Off party. Members of the library's Anime and Manga club will be on hand to help interested young artists. “We will also have face painting,” she noted.

Teens who attend the End of The Summer Reading – After Hours Party on Friday, August 19 from 6 to 9 pm will be eligible to win prizes such as $50 gift cards to Bow Tie Cinema, Game Stop, Sephora, Abercrombie, Claire's Boutique, Hot Topic, Linda's Storytime and Forever 21. Rhyins also noted that those who cannot attend the party but who have participated in the summer reading program will be able to win $20 gift certificates to Bill's Drive-In, Dunkin' Donuts, McGowan's Pizzaland and Linda's Storytime.

For more information, call EWML at 203-452-2850 or go to ewml.org.