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ANSONIA – More than an estimated 1,000 children, parents and community members attended the first ever Summer Reading Rocks Block Party on June 23 on the grounds of Christ Church across from the Ansonia Library on South Cliff Street.
The free event was co-sponsored by Ansonia Public Schools and the Ansonia Library, with funding from two state grants awarded to the school district.
Nearly 50 volunteers from the school district, library and the community manned the various booths throughout the day. More than 400 backpacks, water bottles and summer reading books were given out to Ansonia children. A line-up of live entertainment, a picnic lunch, petting zoo, a dunk tank, and a self-contained soft play activity center for youth were features during the day.
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There was a surprise visit by the Bridgeport Sound Tigers mascot, a puppeteer, two visitors from Colonial America, a balloon artist and face painters. Several organizations – including the Mead School Parent-Teacher Group, the Ansonia Recreation Department, the Friends of the Library, Valley Regional Adult Education, TEAM Inc., the Valley YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club – also hosted tables, providing information about services they offer.
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“On behalf of the committee that planned the event, I would like to thank the students and staff who volunteered, the Ansonia Library staff and board members, the community members who donated their time, and Christ Church,” Bridget Calabrese, the district’s English Language Arts Director said today. She also thanked the city’s public works department, the police department, and the mayor’s office for helping with the planning of the event. “I would especially like to thank the families who came with their children to enjoy in the festivities. There were many smiles and laughs and it was great to gather in this beautiful neighborhood to celebrate reading.”
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Mrs. Calabrese said she has wanted to team up with the library for an event like this for years. “We are so grateful that we had the grants to pay for this family event,” she said. “We hope to hold this type of program again next year.”
The program was planned in conjunction with the conclusion of the 2017 – 18 school year and a celebration to the start of summer. Mrs. Calabrese added, “We encourage everyone to keep reading throughout the summer to keep their minds active!”
