Arlington Hts. library exhibit celebrates fairy tales
The expansive Arlington Heights Memorial Library transformed Saturday night into a whimsical fantasyland - complete with interactive sets from fairy tales and storybook characters who came to life.
More than 600 people had registered for the event; before it even started, about 100 people - many in costume - were outside waiting for the doors to open.
It was all part of the Fairy Tale and Fantasy Gala, which launched the library's national touring exhibit, called "Once Upon a Time ... Exploring the World of Fairy Tales."
The larger than life exhibit allowed children to step inside seven different fairy tales from around the world, and play with components from each story.
"We love everything about it," said Natalie Starenda of Arlington Heights, who brought her daughter and niece to the event.
Included are scenes from "Beauty and the Beast," "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Cinderella," "Thumbelina," "The Shoemaker and the Elves," "Lon Po Po," and "Anasi and the Talking Melon."
"We're always looking for ways to engage in literature in different ways," said Jason Kuhl, the library's executive director. "Fairy tales are so important worldwide; this brings them to life."
To land the exhibit, library officials collaborated with The Magic House at St. Louis Children's Museum and the St. Louis Public Library. The fairy tale sets are an extension of The Magic House's mission: To encourage experimentation and creativity among children, within a place of beauty, wonder and magic.
A big draw for young guests was climbing Jack's beanstalk and sliding down on the other side. They also lined up to take a ride in Cinderella's pumpkin carriage and arrange food items on the banquet table in the Beast's castle.
Amelia Starenda, 10, and her cousin, Kamila Starenda, 6, both of Arlington Heights, enjoyed hammering nails into the soles of shoes at the cobbler's bench in the set of the "Shoemaker and the Elves."
What they learned was the story by the Brothers Grimm originated in Germany and teaches it's better to give than receive.
"I love to read, and I had read most of these stories." Amelia said. "But now I think I'm going to go back and reread them."
Diva Panotto of Arlington Heights said she and her family come to all of the library's programs, but this was the first time they came in costume.
"This is great," Panotto said. "It encourages family time, and talking about the characters and where these stories came from. It's good stuff."
Library officials said the gala launched not only the touring exhibit, but a whole series of special events and programs - for children and adults - that will explore the world of fairy tales.
"We knew people would be excited to be here," said Jennifer Czajka, programs and exhibits manager. "We hoped it would bring in people who might be new to the library as well as those that come all the time, that we might engage a little differently."