Around the Green

By Bina Thomson

Norfolk Library’s Great Hall was full of the sounds of children laughing, dancing and drumming on July 10 as part of the library’s summer event series, “All Together Mondays.” The impetus was Bob Bloom’s musical caravan—a collection of drums and other percussion instruments that has traveled across Connecticut. Children were welcomed to clap and sing along as Bloom played a drum kit. Then he handed out shakers, castanets and various frame and hand drums so each audience member could create their own music.

All Together Mondays features child-focused programming by local and regional creatives on Monday evenings at 6 p.m. and runs through Aug. 8. Children have learned to weave flowers with ribbon under the guidance of Jean Bronson, and Leslie Watkins brought her artist’s toolkit to show them how to create an art card with a botanical sketch for a loved one. The flutter of wings brought in a good crowd to meet the rescued birds of Blue Moon Raptors, a prominent education and rehabilitation group. Cool-ology will bring their science lab in for a super slime event in late July, and children will celebrate the program’s finale with Judi Ann “Energizer” Jones and her dazzling hula-hoops.

These programs offer fun and creativity and foster a space of connection. Most Americans are keenly aware of the country’s political, social and economic divisions and the effects these can have on mental health. While children may not be as aware of these issues, they can still be affected by them, and the library is proud to create these respites of play and connection. The library additionally offers a Thursday morning summer story hour and play group, Books and Bubbles, where all ages are welcome to read stories, sing songs and, of course, play with bubbles. It continues through August; parents and caregivers can join in at 10:30 a.m. on the library lawn or in the children’s room in event of inclement weather. More information can be found on the library’s website (norfolklibrary.org) on upcoming programs for children and adults.