Check out library fun this Saturday

    DERBY - A visit to the local library is about much more than checking out books, and librarians are working to promote that concept.
    Derby Public Library children’s librarian Sue Sherman said Tuesday the library will join a nationwide initiative Saturday: the second annual Take Your Child to the Library Day.
    She said family-oriented activities will be held in the children’s room Saturday. Library hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    Sherman credited a retired children’s librarian in Connecticut for coming up with the idea for the special day.
    Sherman said she was pleased the concept has quickly spread nationwide.

    The librarians selected the first Saturday in February to hold the annual event, she said.
    “It started as a statewide initiative that children’s librarians are promoting,” Sherman said, to urge people “to take a visit to their library and see what’s available.”
    Families need to become familiar with all of the resources the library offers them, Sherman said. An added bonus for parents is that “everything’s free,” she said.
    At Derby Public Library the day will begin at 10 a.m. with a “Read to Sandy” program.
    Sandy is a therapy dog who regularly visits the library and patiently listens to stories read aloud by young readers.
    A Tai Chi class for families with children ages 4-11 will be held at 11 a.m. Sherman said the session will run about 45 minutes.
    After the exercise Sherman has scheduled a special Lego Time from noon to 1:30 p.m., when families are encouraged to put their creativity to the test.
     Registration is requested. To register, call 203-736-1482, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St. or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

     Also in the Valley, Plumb Memorial Library at 65 Wooster St., Shelton will offer a variety of activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
     According to information on its website, there will be a scavenger hunt, a special sale of children’s books, a bookmark-design contest, and more.