Children and grandparents have their day at Hampden Public Library

Date: 1/21/2009

HAMPDEN -- Children of all ages are invited to bring their grandparents, great-grandparents or other significant adults to Hampden Public Library on Jan. 24 for a fun-filled "Grandparents and Great-Grandparents Day."

This free event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Snow date is Jan. 31.

Programs for the morning include stories, craft activities, giveaways and refreshments, courtesy of Stop & Shop Supermarkets. Youth Services Librarian Christina Fairman will lead games and read stories in the Children's Room at 10:45, 11:30 and 12:15. A library card is not necessary, but anyone who wishes to apply for a free C/WMARS library card can do so during the event (a driver's license or other form of official identification is required).

This program is designed around the fact that grandparents and great-grandparents are indispensable parts of children's lives. Older family members frequently serve as teachers, confidantes and caregivers to the youngest generation. In a 2002 study by the AARP, around 15 percent of grandparents said that they "provide child day care services for their grandchildren while the parents are at work." Seventy-five percent said that their favorite activity is reading with their grandchildren, while 68 percent reported that they see their grandchildren at least once every two weeks.

Children whose grandparents are not available are invited to bring other important adults with them to enjoy the day's events.

Hampden Free Public Library is located at 625 Main St., in the Hampden Town House. For more information, contact Christina Fairman at 566-3047 or visit www.hampden-library.org.