Were You at Glow Night? Add Your Pix

The Branford Education Foundation's , An Evening of Adventure held Sunday at the  "was a wonderful way for students and parents to explore the library," said co-organizer Cindi Sorrentino. 

"We wanted a fun event that had educational value and encouraged a love for reading," she commented.  

During the two-hour event, the library swelled with children from grades K to 8, who enjoyed interactive literary activities, like Jeopardy and Name that Tune, featuring the piano expertise of Board of Education member and recent Branford Hall of Fame inductee Jon Prins and the Branford Public School Orchestra students, under Christine Cohen's direction. The four theme rooms, especially fantasy book room with the glow juice and science experiments, seemed to be the most popular among the students, the organizers shared.

"It was a pleasure to see students exploring the areas and enjoying the self-guided activities and scavenger hunt," said Sorrentino.  Co-organizer Tina O'Neill added, "Families entering the library were eager to explore its treasures... I observed children reading and engaged with their families to work out the connections in the  author-related game, "Who Am I?" and the Publishing Game, "What's in the Bag?"

While families made the event a success bringing children together for a night of fun-filled learning, Branford's most influential education members were also proudly representing.  dressed as Tigger and Assistant Superintendent Mary Peraro greeted students as Mary Poppins. 's Principal, , was strolling the library as Puss in Boots as well.

Students received prizes, including a Kindle, bracelets, glow lights and could even take home a book to enjoy. "We hope that one of 250 books on displayed inspired the students and their families," said Sorrentino.  

While there has not been a total announced for funds raised on Sunday, donations to the Branford Education Foundation have enhance and supported the public schools with programs such as the weatherbug, science enrichment, forensics, model congress, and summer reading, the organizers detailed.

Of the success of the event, O'Neill reflected, "One of the best ways for children to understand why reading is important, is for them to see those around them reading. Every time an adult picks up a newspaper, magazine, or reads a book in front of a child they are showing children that reading is important." 

Next up for the BEF will be a Twilight Community Read, outdoors this summer. Stay tuned to Branford Patch for details. 

Did you attend Glow Night? Let us know in the comments and add your photos and video to the mix!