Everyone goes green (at least a little) on Paddy's Day, the feast day which annually celebrates Saint Patrick (385–461), one of the patron saints of Ireland. If you decide to wear the color on March 17th, please do feel free to accent your green finery with Ireland's traditional color blue.
In the lead up to the big day, we also hope you'll plan to do some reading, listening, viewing, doing, and surfing. As you might expect, we have a few suggestions.
Our holiday book collection features quick find-and-go selections for the little people (hee-hee) in your life.
For wee-bit older kids:
O'Sullivan Stew by Hudson Talbott
Tim O'Toole and the Wee Folk by Gerald McDermott
Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie De Paola
That's What Leprechauns Do by Eve Bunting
Fiona's Luck by Teresa Bateman
Leprechaun in Late Winter by Mary Pope Osborne
Shannon and the World's Tallest Leprechaun by Sean Callahan
A Fine St. Patrick's Day by Susan Wojciechowski
If you are in the age 4-8 range, join us on Saturday, March 16, @ 11 a.m. and use your skills, creativity, and imagination to craft a mischievous little elf not unlike ... at times... you! All materials provided but always an opportunity to add your own special touches. Click to register or give us call if you plan to participate.
No Irish holiday would be complete without tunes. We recommend the Chieftains' or Clancy Brothers' collaborative-efforts or music from the Irish Tenors, Cherish the Ladies, Clannad, or Dervish. Connecticut-based performers -- all of whom have performed at the library -- are also represented in our collection. Enjoy CDs from Danny Quinn, The Kerry Boys, Full Gael, or Tara's Thistle.
Everyone has a list of must-see St. Patrick's Day films and these are included on more than a few regarded list-maker's lists. A baker's dozen plus one and as always, watch the ratings labels and chose for yourself or for your kids :
Finian's Rainbow -- The Quiet Man -- Once -- The Commitments -- The Wind That Shakes the Barley -- Waking Ned Devine -- In America -- The Secret of Kells -- Leap Year -- Secret of Roan Inish -- Ondine -- Hunger -- The Guard -- Ryan's Daughter
Pick and choose from our quick lists of recommended fiction books with an Irish flare or regarded non-fiction books about Ireland's storied history and people, native and American vintage.
Rachel Allen's cookbooks offer easy-to-follow recipes, both traditional or with a contemporary twist. Eight-time recipient of the James Beard award (and Greenwich CT resident) Colman Andrews' book, Country Cooking of Ireland is also in the house. Don't forget the soda bread, wheat or gluten-free. Also consult epicurious.com for a very inviting round-up of St. Patrick's Day recipes, including all the essential instructions (as if you need them) for making corned beef and cabbage.
