Anne Lee has been the children’s librarian at Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., for just under two years. She has many books, but one in particular has been a blessing.
It’s a book that lists different celebrations for each day of the year, allowing Lee to create a variety of events around these holidays. "You wouldn’t believe some of the things in there," she said.
It was through that book Lee discovered that Friday, May 18, is officially National Pizza Party Day. Garlic Jim’s, a gourmet pizza chain on the West Coast, submitted the date for recognition from Chase's Calendar of Events; Sterling is one of several libraries nationally to participate.
Lee said that from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., May 18, a celebration will take place at Sterling Library. "It’s National Pizza Party Day. We’re going to make little minipizzas. We’re going to share pizza trivia and pizza stories," she said.
Nicki Lynch, branch manager, said it’s the first event of its kind at the library. Lee said it’s all about trying to find new ways to get children into the library and keep them coming back.
"I just like to try different things and see what works," she said.
"No two days are the same. I enjoy helping people. That’s a big part of my job."
RECOMMENDED FOR children ages 6 to 12, the pizza party celebration will included several different pizza-related facets.
"It’s just a fun program for kids on a Friday afternoon," said Linda Holtslander, systemwide services manager for Loudoun County Libraries. "Since it’s a library, I assume they’re going to talk about the history of pizza and so forth."
Lee said she’s been scouring books and the Web to find pizza trivia and history to present during the party. But first and foremost, this event will give young pizza fans the opportunity to get their hands dirty making minipies. "We’re either going to use the ovens in the community center [to cook them] or have little toaster ovens," said Lee.
Holtslander said this combination of library fun and food is something time-tested for getting children through the door.
"That library in particular seems to find food the most desirable program," she said with a laugh. "Indeed, it seems like the perfect way to get kids into our libraries."
She pointed to the after-hours teen center that takes place every Friday night at the Cascades Library — an event that draws 80-100 middle- and high-school children for a night of games, fun and food. "Indeed, the highlight of the evening is that pizza. I’ve witnessed it with my own eyes — it gets devoured in less than 30 seconds," said Holtslander.
Those interested in the National Pizza Party Day at Sterling Library can call 703-430-9500 to register for the event, which is limited to 30 participants. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us for more information.