Maritime Aquarium makes a splash with children at Westport Library

Books and computers took a backseat to sharks, turtles and other aquatic species at the Westport Library today.

Children and their parents were given the opportunity to get up-close and personal with these creatures during an event called "Touch a Tank." The latest in the library's Summer Read Club series, the event was right in line with the club's 2010 theme: "Make a SPLASH at the Library."

And the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk did just that by bringing an array of species for library guests to check out, touch and learn about. The event included several exhibits dedicated to sharks, whales and turtles, as well as a water tank that housed a tidal pool filled with live crabs and shellfish.

For much of the hour-long event, the McManus Room was packed with both parents and their eager children staring at the jaws of a shark, or the bones of a whale. At any given time, a wall of 15 children surrounded the water tank, waiting for their turn to touch a horseshoe crab or play with the shells.

Jim Carlon, the father of 2-year-old Andrew and 7-year-old Thomas, said, "We were getting some books from the library, and, by chance, they had this event going on. I think it's really great. Both my sons love it."

When Andrew was asked what he liked best about the event, he simply replied, "I want to go see the water!"

Laurie Stefanowicz, who was there with her daughters, 2-year-old Ellie and 4-month-old Maisie, agreed with that sentiment.

"It's a great event, we love it," she said. "Ellie loves the tidal pool."

"[The children] like to see the real fish," said Susan Zabrocky, of the education department at the Maritime Aquarium, who ran the whale table at the event. "These creatures in the tidal pool are from Long Island Sound, which brings a sense of perspective to this event."

It's not uncommon for the Maritime Aquarium to be involved in events like this. The Norwalk-based aquarium frequently contributes to summer educational programs, and hosts its own family-oriented programs. It also partners with several local schools, which allows the aquarium to function as an outside classroom for children in the community.

Likewise, this was just one of many events that the Westport Library hosts for its Children's Summer Reading Program, which runs from June through August. Children can join at any time and participate in a wide range of activities. Through the program, the library has pizza parties and prize giveaways, as well as other educational programs similar to "Touch a Tank."

"The Children's Summer Reading Program draws members from pre-readers to teenagers," said Mary Beth Goodwin, one of the Westport librarians involved with this event. "We give them a journal and when they finish a book, they put a stamp in it. When they finish three books, they get to hang a paper fish from the ceiling of the children's section in the library. We don't care what they read, as long as it's a book."

When walking around the children's section, it is clear that the program attracts a large following. Scores of parents sit in chairs and couches reading books to their children under a ceiling adorned with strings of paper fish. Many of these same families came out in force on Saturday to attend "Touch a Tank."

After all, as Goodwin said, "It was a good event for a hot day."