Children's Adventure Center To Begin Storytelling Series
(NOTE, November 11, 2013: This story has been corrected to properly reflect the background of Ray Sipherd, the guest reader for November 16.)
The Children’s Adventure Center is opening its new library of children’s books, known as “The Joy of Books,” to all area preschool children.
The Rotary Club of Newtown donated the new library, which is intended for preschool students, parents, and preschool teachers, to the center, located at 14 Riverside Road in Sandy Hook.
With the help of local builder Mike Burton and Rotarian Joe Hemingway, shelving and cupboard space have been built and shelves have been stocked with the assistance of C. H. Booth Library Systems Librarian Brenda McKinley.
The project was funded with a matched grant with the local District Managed Grant scheme.
The library will be open for a series of free storytelling events for the public. The events are called “Sandy Hook Bookworms” and will be held in the new Sunshine Room at the center.
The first storyteller for the series will be Ray Sipherd of Newtown. Among other career highlights, Mr Sipherd was one of the original writers for Sesame Street, writing for the first 17 years of the public television show.
The first event is scheduled for Saturday, November 16, from 10 to 11:30 am.
The center plans to conduct future storytelling sessions on the second Saturday of each month.
The Sandy Hook Bookworms Committee is led by Mary Steinfeld, who is a former preschool educator, along with Marie Smith, Judy Sims, Kelly Johnson, and Mae Schmidle.
Committee members believe that it is important for the Children’s Adventure Center to share the “Joy of Books” with as many local 2- to 5-year-old children and their families as possible.
A “quiet corner” will be arranged for those family members who prefer to read in a more private location. Refreshments will be served at the storytelling event.
The Children’s Adventure Center was established in 1969 by a group of community leaders as a nonprofit organization intended to provide early childhood education for local families.