'Books Across Stamford' Brings Together 300 From The Community

From SPEF: The Stamford Public Education Foundation (SPEF), in partnership with the Ferguson Library and Mill River Collaborative, hosted Books Across Stamford: A Springtime Celebration on May 4th by the Carousel at Mill River Park. The event, which took place from 11AM-2PM, brought a total of over 320 individuals throughout the day.

Lively music played by 12-year-old DJ X set the mood and captured guests’ attention, with The Rollin Rooster and Mr. Softee serving up delicious lunchtime options. A variety of books for every age group and reading level where displayed at eight tables for children to choose from. Over 300 new books were given away throughout the event. Pitney Bowes and the Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk generously donated new books for this Give-Away.

Tables for non-profit partners such as The Ferguson Library, Mill River Collaborative, Building One Community, The Boys & Girls Club, and the Stamford Museum & Nature Center were on display with information about their summer programming. Guests were invited to browse the tables and ask representatives for more information. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center even brought live animals such as bunnies, baby ducks, and turtles to entertain the children! At 12:30PM the crowd was called to gather around for story time. Professional story-teller April Armstrong entertained the audience with her rich multi-cultural and African American tales. April happily drummed to the tune of a traditional Swahili song, encouraging children and parents to join along with her. Children were also invited alongside April to participate within the storytelling, making an authentically interactive experience.

In the craft corner, kids decorated their own flower pots, and colored springtime coloring sheets! SPEF’s polar bear mascot, SPEFy, surprised the crowd by joining in the fun just in time for its closing.

SPEF hosts two large scale book giveaways per school year under the Books Across Stamford initiative. The program looks forward to expanding this summer to include book giveaways at localcommunity centers during camp hours.

About SPEF: Founded in 1996, the mission of the Stamford Public Education Foundation (SPEF) is to deliver educational programs and resources that elevate student, educator, and parent success by bridging the gap between needs in the Stamford Public Schools and resources in our community.

The Foundation strives to enable each and every student in the Stamford Public Schools to graduate high school and enter college, career training, or fulltime employment ready to succeed. For further information, visit www.spefct.org.