Two years ago, we participated in an incredible annual event called “Passport to Connecticut Libraries“. It was actually what led us into the world of exploring and blogging!
Passport to Connecticut Libraries returned in April 2018 with close to 150 participating libraries! While we didn’t get to visit as many libraries as last time, we did discover three new ones and we returned to a few of our favorites from 2016! You can find a full list of all the participating libraries on the Passport to Connecticut Libraries Facebook Page.
The Passport to Connecticut Libraries program will be back again in 2020 so make sure you mark your calendars! This is a great activity and it is a fun way to explore Connecticut while learning about the history of other towns and their libraries, discover the amazing architecture throughout our state, and appreciate what this state has to offer for literacy services!
Here’s a review of the libraries we visited this year!
Prosser Public Library
1 Tunxis Avenue, Bloomfield
This library has become one of our favorites so we had to include them in our 2018 guide! Of course, they have a train table. But they also have a dollhouse, foam blocks, Legos, and a lot more to play with. They have a huge room devoted to the children’s library with storytime, computer and study spaces, lots of books and friendly librarians. We even signed up for their 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program while we were there!
East Granby Public Library
24 Center Street, East Granby
Another one of our favorites! You’ll be in awe of the treehouse as soon as you walk into their children’s room. It’s incredible! They have a train table, doll house, Legos, puzzles, a play kitchen and tons of fun activities for the kids. Their book selection is wonderful. They offer storytimes by registration and a few drop in. The library is also home to the town’s farmer’s market held every summer. We love this library!
East Hartford Public Library
840 Main Street, East Hartford
What an incredible children’s library we discovered in East Hartford! Since East Hartford is home to Pratt & Whitney, you’ll quickly understand the inspiration behind the recently renovated children’s library! You’ll love every big and small hint of airplanes, engines and jets that can be found in the library. They have a beautiful storytime room, several play areas, including a train table and blocks, computer stations, and a great selection of books and take-home kits. They also have an excellent children’s storytime program! I’ll be devoting a whole post to this library in the coming weeks!
Rockville Public Library
52 Union Street, Vernon Rockville
Having lived in Vernon for many years before I was married, I was surprised that I had actually never been to this library! With two floors, the Rockville Public Library has a lot to offer! The bottom floor is devoted to the children’s library. They have a large collection of books, along with study areas and quiet tables. There is a small play area with a train table, play house, small toys and much more. They have a great story time program too!
Noah Webster Library
20 South Main Street, West Hartford
I was in awe of the amazing children’s library in West Hartford. We did a full, in-depth review of the library last month, which you’ll want to check out. The library has a huge open area with books, computers, quiet areas, play areas and more. Additionally there is an entire room dedicated to preschoolers with a stage, pretend kitchen, train table, dollhouses, magnets, blocks and more. Quartered off in the room is also a baby area. There is also a tween room and the teen room is located on the main library floor. They offer story times and programming by registration and drop-in. This is a MUST visit!
Windsor Public Library
323 Broad Street, Windsor
The Windsor Public Library is home to an amazing children’s library, referred to as Kidspace. The children’s room is beautiful with a lighted dance floor, a tree trunk to climb through, Legos and toys, reading nooks and of course, a train table. They have a wonderful array of programs and story times for the kids. This library is one of our favorites and we drop in quite often since our first visit in 2016.
Windsor Locks Public Library
28 Main Street, Windsor Locks
The Windsor Locks Public Library is right across the river from East Windsor/Enfield, and it’s also a stone’s throw from train tracks. So it’s no surprise that my son loves this library! The library has a large children’s library, complete with a room for storytime. The library has a train table as well (of course we found the train table), a play kitchen, a Lego table, and an wide assortment of books.
We can’t wait until Passport to Connecticut Libraries 2020 to visit more libraries, so share with us your favorites and we will add them to our list! We’d love to double the number of libraries on this blog in the next two years!
