Kids’ parties tend to be noisy affairs, between the pitter-patter of running feet and the high-pitched happy shrieks that follow a sugar rush.
So when parents hear the words “pirate party,” the local library may not be the first location that comes to mind.
Ahoy, matey! Today, during the free Pirate Party at Tallyn’s Reach Library in Aurora, Jack Sparrow-loving youngsters can growl “Arrr!” as loud as they want without ever getting shushed.
One of two annual theme parties at the library, the Pirate Party is for kids 5 and older and includes a full list of activities to keep them occupied.
First, each child can choose a pirate name for the day. Instead of Aiden and Emily, boys and girls will sport nametags with such monikers as “The Dread Pirate Kid” or “Iron Anne Bonnie.”
Children are encouraged to come in their best pirate outfits, but many of the finishing touches will be provided during the party. For instance, kids will be able to make their very own spyglasses using paper towel rolls, stickers and plenty of imagination.
Avast! The treasure hunt will likely be the highlight of the day. Librarian specialist Lacey Hemming and other staff members at the library have devised an obstacle course with a pile of goodies at the end of it. Using a map on which X marks the spot, the kids will have to work together to reach their treasure.
“The fireplace in the library is the volcano” on the map, Hemming says, “and there are other areas that are marked as deserts, lagoons and caves.”
Because pirates work up an appetite, the party includes a snack break, then the kids will head off to play party games, including “Pin the Patch on the Pirate” or “Walk the Plank” — a variation on a less-dangerous-sounding balance beam.
You may wonder what all this has to do with reading?
“We won’t be reading to the kids since they get so excited and squirmy during the party,” Hemming says. Instead, the staff suggests dozens of pirate-themed books including “The Old Pirate of Central Park,” by Robert Priest; “The Ballad of the Pirate Queens,” by Jane Yolen; and “Pirates Don’t Change Diapers,” by Melinda Long and David Shannon.
“We hope they get excited about pirates during the party,” Hemming says, “and then check out books to take home with them.”
Kids Pirate Party
Where: Tallyn’s Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road, Aurora
When: 2-3:30 p.m. today
Admission: Free
To register: Call 303-627-3050. This is also the number to call for details about the library’s summer reading program.
