by NHFPL Young Minds and Family Learning team | March 16, 2026
Save the Date!
New and expecting parents are invited to a special Community Baby Shower—an early literacy event hosted by the New Haven Free Public Library’s Young Minds & Family Learning (YMFL) team—on April 1 from 4-7 pm at Stetson Branch Library, 197 Dixwell Avenue.
This free event connects families with local resources while sharing simple ways to support a child’s early literacy and language development at home from infancy.
Early Literacy Showcase
Learning begins at birth. Parents, caregivers, and families are a child’s first teachers. At this event, families will learn practical tips they can use at home to help their baby develop the language and literacy skills that will set them up to be strong readers in the future.
A story time demonstration led by Stetson Branch Young Minds Librarian Phillip “Mr. Phill” Modeen and NHPS teacher Darlene Walden is the centerpiece of the event. They will show parents and caretakers how to choose books for young children and share easy ways to make reading together fun and engaging.
Together, they’ll discuss five foundational literacy approaches to help build the language skills infants and toddlers will need to grow and learn.
Connection to Resources
Families will be able to meet with local community organizations that support parents and caregivers. These groups will share information about programs, services, and resources available in the New Haven area.
The event will also include an opportunity to meet and mingle with other attendees and library staff. It is a great chance to build connections and learn from one another.
Freebies and Raffle
We’ll be giving literacy-themed tote bags packed with resources you can use at home and a library story time kit so you can practice what you learn at the event.
Grab some free diapers donated by our friends at the Diaper Bank of Connecticut and enter our raffles including a car seat and a gift bag by Trader Joe’s.
Interested?
Walk-ins are welcome! If you’d like to be reminded of the event, we recommend you RSVP here or by clicking the button below.
The Community Baby Shower is designed to support families, build community, and help parents feel confident sharing books and stories with their children from the very beginning.
