Jolly Reader launched at Shelton library

Kids can venture aboard The Jolly Reader, a pirate ship in the downstairs children's area of the Shelton Timberland Library, to tie ropes, work the ship's wheel or curl up with a book inside a porthole.

About 200 people attended the ship's debut March 9 that included live music, face painting, rope tying, a mermaid and a pirate.

Timberland Regional Library's facilities staff build the ship, which measures 26 feet long and 17 feet wide. The features include a crow's nest with a parrot, floating jellyfish that bob in the underwater-style lighting and openings to climb in and out of the ship.

In a news release, Shelton Librarian Kristine Techavanich said "witnessing the pure joy that The Jolly Reader brings to children - and grownups too - has been amazing. Aboard the ship, kids are actively acting out stories, inventing games and making new friends. There's something for kids of all ages and abilities to engage both their minds and bodies!"

In the news release, Timberland Library Deputy Director Kendra Jones said the organization is working to improve library spaces for children in its 29 branches in five counties.

"We have a lot of rural communities (in our service district) where there aren't many services (for kids) ... There's been buckets of research to show children learn best through play," she said.

The library's deck has been closed for years, but Tuesday evening the Shelton City Council gave final approval to accepting a $67,000 state grant to improve the library's deck. The council gave preliminary approval with a vote at its April 2 meeting.

According to the city report, the city in April 2022 applied for a state Department of Commerce Library Capital Improvement Program grant. The city asked for $70,000 for the deck project and received $67,900.

The city has budgeted $140,000 for the project. Along with the state grant, the city will use $23,000 from its general fund, $24,000 from the library endowment fund and $23,000 from Timberland Regional Library.

The project calls for the removal of the waterproof membrane that covers the wood-framed deck and wood safety railings to expose the deck sheeting and structure. The sheeting and structure affected by rot, due to water intrusion, will be removed and repaired.

A new waterproof membrane and steel safety railing will be installed to meet building and safety codes and "provide a more aesthetically pleasing public space," the report states, and adds, "The deck railings are necessary to provide public use and are less obstructive to views both into and out of the deck."

The library, at 710 W. Alder St., is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.