Isles in Aisles: In New Community Partnership, Members of the Bridgeport Islanders to Read Aloud to Kids at The Westport Library

Tue, Jan 21, 2025
EJ Crawford

Professional hockey is coming to The Westport Library — and it comes bearing books.

Isles in Aisles is a new community partnership between the Library and the Bridgeport Islanders, the New York Islanders’ American Hockey League affiliate based in Connecticut. Members of the club will be on hand in the Children’s Library on Tuesday, February 4, at 5:30 pm; Tuesday, February 18, at 4:30 pm; and Monday, March 3, at 4:30 pm to read aloud from their favorite children’s and hockey-themed books.

This is a drop-in event designed for kids, but adults are welcome as well. Players will be available for autographs afterward, and there may even be a special appearance at one of the readings from Storm, the Bridgeport Islanders mascot.

“We’re absolutely delighted to partner with the Bridgeport Islanders on this exciting new reading program,” said Mary Parmelee, youth services director at The Westport Library. “Westport is a great community of young readers and a town that loves sports. To have professional hockey players come to the Library to encourage kids to read and engage with the Library is a special opportunity. We can’t wait to get started!”

Potential books for Isles in Aisles include Z is for Zamboni by Matt Napier, Hero's Ho Ho Ho Hockey Dream by Kary Carkner and Pam Helmer, Hockey Morning, Noon, and Night by Doreta Groenendyk, The Magic Hockey Stick by Maloney Zekauskas, The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier, and more.

“One of my best memories growing up was taking field trips to local hockey games, or whenever the players would visit our library and we could interact with them,” Islanders captain Cole Bardreau said. “I’ve always loved books and take several with me on bus rides, so I’m excited to give back in that way. Being a professional hockey player is a privilege, and it’s important for our team to use this platform to encourage good reading habits.”

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