ENFIELD — Enfield kids are set for a day of fun and books at the Enfield Annex Library on Oct. 18 and 19 as they participate in games, crafts and a children’s book sale.
“Recreation has partnered with the Friends of the Enfield Library, who run the book fair, and Enfield KITE (Key Initiatives to Early Education) to offer kids activities on Saturday during the Annual Children’s Book Fair,” explained Alison Alberghini, recreation manager for Enfield. “KITE will be bringing the ‘Big Blue Blocks’ and recreation will have interactive play stations and easy, make it-take it, seasonal crafts.”
This marks the second year that the Recreation Department and KITE have teamed up to offer activities during the book fair. The teaming seemed like a logical move after the Friends of the Library moved its operation to the Annex, where the Recreation Department is also located.
Now on its third time, the Children’s Book Sale began before the coronavirus pandemic and returned last year.
“In the October Children’s Book Sale, we only sell children’s books — all donations from the community. Prices run from 25 cents to $2. The majority of books are 50 cents and are in wonderful condition,” explained Pat Smith, president of the Friends of the Enfield Library. “Our goal is to get as many genres into the hands of children and parents in Enfield and surrounding communities as we can. Parks & Rec and KITE have created an additional dimension to the event and the laughter and squeals of delight heard resonating from their room tells everyone this is a terrific partnership.”
Although the sale usually makes a few hundred dollars, Smith shared that the main goals is benefiting and engaging the community. Money raised helps to support more activities at the library, such as museum passes, the summer reading program and the fish tank.
“We look forward to another great event,” said Alberghini.
The free activities will be offered on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., while the book sale will happen on Friday, Oct. 18 from 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Enfield Annex Library is at 124 N. Main St. in Enfield. Attendees are asked to enter through door 5.