The Brookhaven Free Library will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Day Gold Hunt for children on Tuesday, March 17, continuing a tradition that has run for more than 20 years.
“It’s fun. We’re going to have a blast,” said Rita Banellis, head of programming and outreach, who said she enjoys seeing children’s imagination thrive without competition from technology.
The program begins at 10 a.m. with a story about mischievous leprechauns who reportedly upset books in the library and spilled gold across the lawn, Banellis said.
Before children set out in search of the treasure, Banellis said, “We’re going to make a craft, a bag that we decorate with stickers and their names—a treasure bag so we call it.”
This year, younger children will have more space to hunt, as older children will be in school. Children aged two through preschool can search for gold-wrapped chocolates, including Twix and Rolo, which will be scattered along the side of the library. In the event of rain, the hunt will move indoors, she said.
“We thought what a great opportunity to have the little ones have some special time with their family,” Banellis said.
After the hunt, children and their caregivers can sample Irish soda bread with tea or juice and “just mingle and dance a bit” to Irish tunes, she added.
The program is open to all Suffolk County library card holders, who can sign up online, in person, or by telephone.
In the spirit of the holiday, children in grades 4 and up can participate in a Paper Quilling Shamrock craft workshop on Monday, March 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the library, located at 273 Beaver Dam Road. Jennifer Macioce, from Enrichment and Library Services, will demonstrate the art form.
Signups for both programs are underway, with details available on the library’s website.