The Darien Times

Library celebrates kids, Mr. McGraw’s birthday Saturday

Written by The Darien Times
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 07:00 AM

Each January, the library celebrates one of the children's library's benefactors, Harold W. McGraw Jr., with a birthday party, featuring birthday cake, face painting, a craft from Green Moon and more fun activities for children. This year, the library will celebrate McGraw on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 2.

Like last year, children will be given a bookplate on which to write their names, which will be placed in a new book and added to the children's library collection. The books and bookplates are donated by McGraw's daughter, Sue McGraw, another great friend to the Library.

McGraw's birthday is a special favorite of the library's, because of his generosity and because it coincides on the anniversary of the library's grand opening at its current location in 2009. That day crowds sang "Happy Birthday" in honor of McGraw's 91st birthday.

McGraw seldom visited the new building without stopping by the McGraw Children's Library, named in his honor. His support of the engagement, education, and entertainment of children was unwavering; it reflected his commitment to the important role of public libraries in one's life. Mr. McGraw served as a Darien Library trustee, President of the Library Board, and Honorary Trustee throughout his lifetime. He was known for his kind heart, generosity and friendship towards libraries.

More info: 203-655-1234, DarienLibrary.org, additional evening and weekend parking is on Thorndal Circle behind Nielsen's