If you’re like me, you love the Westport Library.
And if you’re like me, you love only the parts you know.
I’ve never entered the children’s section. I had no idea there were oversize art books on the mezzanine level. And that back room, beyond the reference desk, might as well be an OTB parlor. I know people hang out there every day, but I have no idea what they do.
Similarly, other folks never enter the big, airy reading room. Or see the River of Names mural. Some Westporters don’t know the library lends thousands of DVDs — for free.
Earlier this year, during the library’s mini-golf game (yes, that’s right), the staff realized few participants explore the entire building. So they’re sponsoring a new event: The Great Race.
Subtitled “A Scavenger Hunt,” it’s set for 6-8 p.m. this Friday, November 6. For an entry fee of $15 per team, groups of 1-6 people receive a packet of 26 clues. They’ll scatter throughout the library’s nooks and crannies seeking answers. The reward: wine and cheese for the adults, cookies and juice for the kids.
In the spirit of library correctness, I should point out that this is not exactly a scavenger hunt — you don’t retrieve any items.
And it’s not really a race — people can start at different times, any time after 6.
I’d also argue that 1 person cannot make up a “team,” but that’s pretty nit-picky.
Bottom line: Westport’s library rocks. What a great chance to run around, have fun and be social.
And talk in the library as loudly as you want.
(For more information, contact Sandy Young: 203-291-4829; syoung@westportlibrary.org. To register, click here.)
I have no idea if the River of Names mural on the lower level will be part of the Great Race. But there's a great Westport story behind this tile. Do you know it? (Photo courtesy of fotki.com)
Dan: I’m pretty sure the original Veteran’s Memorial was lost, in the dump I think, and the current one on Town Green is the replacement. You may know more about this than I. Is this the “story” you mentioned?
Johno
Yes.
dan
great write up for the Scavenger Hunt on Friday night. you’ve perfectly captured the essence of the adventure and it will be lots of fun. it’s a great event for families with middle or high school kids and since you’re so connected to that target audience, would be great if you could encourage your athletes and their families to attend (if there isn’t a soccer game that night!) We could also use some volunteers (to steer people in the right direction –volunteers will have answers…) so if you know of any teens or adults who would like to help out from 6-8 on Friday, send them to Joan Hume at the library: jhume@westportlibrary.org
hope to see you there.
Kathie Fording
president, friends of the WEstport Library
The Westport Library is literacy heaven for children, the programs are great and the children’s section librarians are wonderful! Dan, you could catch one of the storytimes under the tree next Summer, it would give you a whole new perspective of our beloved library!
And no one mentioned that the tile was based on Stevan Dohanos (a famous Westport illustrator)’s Saturday Evening Post cover. Sad to hear what happened to the original memorial but glad Steve Dohanos captured it forever.