The Middlesex County Public Library (MCPL) system’s popular Winter Carnival is returning this year, to be offered Saturday, March 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MCPL’s Deltaville branch.
A Middlesex County favorite for many years before being paused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Winter Carnival is aimed at children ages 2 through 12, and features a morning of activities, games, and more.
The outside of MCPL’s Deltaville branch will be transformed with circus tent style with colorful streamers, music, and blow-ups. A variety of activities will be offered inside, including about 14 games. Each child earns a ticket per game they play, which can then be redeemed for prizes.
In addition there will be face painting, food provided by the Middlesex County Kiwanis Club, as well as balloon animals made by the popular “Miss Susan” of “Twister of Fabulous Balloon Creatures.” Young ones ages 2 and younger will have the option of a Toddler Room to play in. The library is also giving away a selection of children’s books for the occasion.
The carnival is helmed by MCPL’s children’s librarian, Kristen Robertson. “I have the most fun job that someone could have,” she said, looking back on her first full year working with the library. “It’s been amazing to get to know the kids, see how much they change in a year’s time, and to establish relationships with the families.”
She adds, “I’ve really thoroughly enjoyed diving into the children’s literature. There are so many new, good, funny, works that have been published and it’s really fun to bring it to the kids.”
Kristen also conducts weekly story times at both MCPL library branches.
(Hartfield resident Michael Kunzinger is outreach coordinator for the Middlesex County Public Library system, which has branch locations in Deltaville and Urbanna. Email him at yourmiddlesexlibrary@gmail.com.)
