Behind the Stacks

Welcome to Behind the Stacks, your go-to column from the West Haven Library! We here at the library are always looking for fun, creative ways to provide educational and recreational experiences for children and adults alike. Part of this mission is partnering with some wonderful CT organizations to provide our patrons with discounted tickets to a multitude of activities in the area. With the warmer weather upon us (and Spring Break rapidly approaching), take a trip to the Beardsley Zoo or a number of CT State Parks! Our zoo pass allows for a discounted admission price to just $10 per person for up to 6 people, while the CT State Parks pass covers entrance fees to the centers and historical buildings at Gillette Castle, Fort Trumbull, and Dinosaur State Parks for up to 2 adults and 4 children. We also have passes for discounted admission at the EverWonder, Discovery, and Stepping Stones children’s museums! Both the Discovery and EverWonder Museums boast exhibits to spark imagination and learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math related fields. At Stepping Stones, play is essential for life-long learners to cultivate and shape their own educational journey. You can also receive half-off admission at a beloved local favorite, The Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven–please note this museum is not open all year round, so it is always best to call ahead! Take a trip to Hartford and visit the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art; our pass allows for two free general admission tickets for adults (children 17 and under are free). While in Hartford, swing by the CT Science Center to keep the fun and learning going! The library has coupons for a 20% discount for up to 4 people. The goal to provide our community with educational and recreational resources is paramount here at the West Haven Library! 

Speaking of Spring Break, our librarians are hard at work preparing lots of activities to keep your young ones occupied! On Monday 4/14, kids ages 5-14 can join us for a Spring Break Theatre Workshop with award winning teacher, director, and Theatre Department Chair: Ingrid Schaeffer. This program is generously sponsored by CT Humanities. We’ve also got crafts galore to keep the creativity flowing over break! All April long, our Ora Mason branch will have Take and Make Decoupage craft kits available. Little ones can also drop-in for a Spring Chick craft! Participate in our Faerie House Program at the Main Library and return your completed house to the Graham Room by 5/16 and attend the Wee Faerie Village Party at Ward-Heitmann House on 5/21 and see your house on display. Create and color No-Sew Bunnies or make Mini Perler Bead designs during in-person crafts at Main. All crafts are available while supplies last! All ages are welcome to attend a special story hour at Ora Mason with Ann Shapiro, Executive Director from the CT Storytelling Center. Ann will showcase the art of storytelling and singing together using folk instruments and assistance from some of her finger puppets!

In an exciting collaboration with the International Festival of Arts and Ideas as part of their 30th anniversary, West Haven Library will also host an all-ages community discussion of the book, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury on April 15th. We will mingle and enjoy refreshments, discuss the book and its themes, and hand out complimentary copies of the book (while supplies last). Adults can kick off Spring Break on April 12th with some grown up time, enjoying a screening of the film Love Hurts at the Main Library. During the week, adults are  welcome to attend an Open Mic Night in celebration of National Poetry, a Mortgage Education Seminar, or join one of our ongoing Cross Stitch or Quilting clubs! Finally, relax after a long week of no school with our Saturday morning Yoga class on April 19th. 

Beginning next week, you will be able to reserve our museum passes yourself through our website at westhavenlibrary.org; you can also view our site to see what other upcoming events we have planned, as well as check age restrictions and registration requirements for each! As always, feel free to call the library directly with any questions or for more information at 203-937-4233 – Have a happy and healthy Spring Break!