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Looking for something fun, unique and free to do with your family in downtown Harrison this summer? You’re in luck.

Harrison Public Library is proud to announce the premiere of a new immersive, whimsical experience created by award-winning playwright, Tara Meddaugh. Searching for Booklings: Join the Quest! is a story-based installation inviting adventurers to jump into the mysterious and exciting world of long-lost library creatures known as Booklings.

“As part of our celebration of the Harrison Public Library’s 120th anniversary, we’re offering many special activities, including the Bookling Experience. It brings to life themes of community, literature, and the thrill of uncovering hidden stories,” said Galina Chernykh, Library Director. “We couldn’t be happier with the world, the story, and the imaginative journey Tara has crafted.”

The innovative adventure blends theatrical storytelling with quiet observation and creative play—encouraging connection, and literary appreciation. The journey begins at a “Bookling Museum” where guests can examine tiny artifacts, while listening to memories and interviews about Booklings from long ago. From there, explorers follow a map to discover new signs of Bookling life, engaging in playful, creative activities designed to rekindle the connection between humans and Booklings. In the final “chapter,” guests receive a Bookling memento, and discover how their thoughtful actions helped shape the story’s happy ending.

“I wanted to give kids the chance to sink into that sense of wonder, curiosity, play—and use their imaginations to truly be part of a live story,” Meddaugh said. “The narration sets the framework for the story, but I intentionally leave a lot open-ended. It’s so easy to get answers to everything, but it’s often when we don’t have answers that we fill in the blanks with our imaginations. For instance, we never hear what Booklings look like. We discover some clues, but no one really knows. So explorers get to draw what they imagine a Bookling might look like, then leave the drawing for a Bookling to find overnight. And instead of being told how a Bookling responds to finding the drawing, they get to imagine that reaction.”

Families can enjoy the experience any time as a self-guided experience, or as part of one of four “Bookling Tours” guided by the creator herself, Tara Meddaugh. All ages are welcome to participate, but the recommended age is 5-10. Parents or older kids should accompany young children. See tour schedule here: harrisonpl.org/events/14958046

The experience takes 20-60 minutes, depending on how long people spend in different sections. “It’s meant to be done at your own pace. It’s not high pressure. It’s meant to be exciting but also kind of relaxing. You’re in this secret world, but out in the open.”

The Searching for Booklings self-guided experience requires a device and headphones as guests scan QR codes throughout the library to hear narration, interviews, and activity instructions. 

The free interactive program opened June 16 and is planned to last into the Fall.

The program was made possible with generous funding from ArtsWestchester, whose mission is to support cultural vibrancy and community enrichment throughout Westchester County.

QUEST DETAILS

• Where: Harrison Public Library, 2 Bruce Ave, Harrison, NY 10528

• When: Self-guided tour available any time during regular library hours. Guided tour schedule and registration available here: harrisonpl.org/events/14958046

• More Info: tarameddaugh.com/booklings

Tara Meddaugh is an award-winning playwright whose children’s plays, dark comedies, allegories and dramas have been performed and published around the world—from Alaska to England, South Africa to Bangkok. Learn more at tarameddaugh.com.

ArtsWestchester is the largest private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. For over 50 years, the organization has supported artists, funded cultural programming, and enriched communities through the arts. Learn more at artswestchester.org.