Passports to Connecticut Libraries April 1-30, 2016

Passport to Connecticut Libraries
Join the adventure!
April 1 - 30, 2016

Your library card opens the world to you through books, audio books, music CDs and DVDs.  Now let your library card open the doors of Connecticut libraries by participating in the Passport to Connecticut Libraries Program!  To participate, visit Portland Library to pick up your Passport. 

124 Connecticut libraries are proud to participate in the Connecticut Library Association’s Passport to Connecticut Libraries Program. To celebrate National Library Week during April, the Passport to Connecticut Libraries Program invites you to visit all of the participating Connecticut public libraries. Each library has its own architecture, vibe and collection to explore and browse! The program is open to adults and children, and the hope is that it encourages residents to explore the amazing diversity of our public libraries.  


To participate, visit your local library to pick up your Passport.  A staff member  will stamp it and give you a token gift to get you started. Then, take your Passport along as you visit other participating libraries. At each visit, you must show your library card, and then the library will stamp your passport and give you another small gift.  


If you visit at least five participating libraries and return your passport to a participating library by May 6th, then you will be entered into one state-wide drawing for a chance to win a $150 Visa gift card for adults (18 and up) and a $100 Visa gift card for children (under 18). This is a state-wide contest where four winners will be selected: one adult and one child from a random drawing from all who visited at least five libraries, and one adult and one child from a random drawing from all who visited the most libraries.


For more details and a full list of participating libraries, ask for a copy at the Portland Library.   

See updates and information:  Facebook.com/passporttoctlibraries

List of Participating Libraries

Tours of the Wadsworth Mansion

Wednesday Historical Tours

Every Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., the Wadsworth Mansion is open for tours. Docents from the Friends of Long Hill Estate lead guided tours of the Mansion, providing a narrative that details the history of the Estate and the five million dollar renovation. Furniture donated by the Wadsworth Family is on display in the History Room. Please call to confirm tours are being held. Large groups and bus tours, please call ahead.

Spot of Tea & Tour

On the second Wednesday of every month, the docents will sweeten their accounts of the Wadsworth family story with some dainty goodies and a cup of tea. The “Spot of Tea & Tour” will be served in the Mansion’s fabled tradition of hospitality and will be offered without charge between 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Please call to make a reservation at 860-347-1064.

The “Spot of Tea & Tour” is not available during the months of July and August.

The Wadsworth Mansion is located at 421 Wadsworth Street Middletown, Conn. 

Easter Egg Hunt March 26 at PEZ Factory Orange, Conn.

Easter Egg Hunt!

Saturday March 26th for the 3rd annual Easter Egg Hunt!

Children 12 and under are invited to bring an Easter basket and participate in the fun. 

Up to 4 years old starts at 10:30 a.m. sharp

Children 5-8 years of age 10:45 a.m. sharp

Children age 9-12 11:00 a.m. sharp

After the Easter Egg Hunt , the Easter Bunny will be inside the Visitor Center from 11:30 am - 1:00 p.m. 

Don't forget to bring your camera!!

The egg hunt is free - regular admission rates apply to the Visitor Center. 

The egg hunt will be dependent on weather and field conditions!

For more information call 203-298-0201 

To avoid waiting in a long line, we highly encourage those that plan on enjoying the Visitor Center after the egg hunt to purchase tickets the morning of the event. (prior to participating in the egg hunt)

St. Paddy's Day Parades in Connecticut

One of New England’s premier Irish events and the largest single-day spectator event in Connecticut, the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Sunday, March 13, will showcase music and more than 3,000 marchers celebrating the diversity of many cultures. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. on Chapel Street.

Sponsored by the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Community, the Greater Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade, Hartford, Saturday, March 12 at 11 a.m features many area towns marching in the parade. So you don’t miss any of the festivities, get your seat early on the parade route!

Be Irish for a day by wearing green at the New London St. Patrick's Day Parade, Sunday, March 13 at 1 p.m.

At the Stamford St. Patrick’s Day Parade, get in the spirit with more than 80 marching units and pipe bands, Saturday, March 5 beginning at 12 noon.
Norwich celebrates its annual Norwich St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 6 at 1 p.m. After the parade winds through the downtown, the fun continues with a street festival on Main Street directly thereafter!

On Sunday, March 20, gather in Mystic, starting at 1 p.m., for the historic annual Mystic Irish Parade. This celebration of Irish culture features 2,000 participants as well as classic antique cars, high school area bands and local Scout troops.

Information provided by ctvisit.com