‘Pinkititus’ Outbreak at Larchmont Library

Over 80 young readers battled 'pinkititus' on the Larchmont Public Library lawn Thursday during the 2nd annual Pink Afternoon, a one-hour celebration of pink- centric literature.

Pink-clad girls and their defiant male siblings were treated to pink-frosted cupcakes and cotton candy.

Children's librarian and event organizer Rebecca Eller donned her own pink feather boa as she read from "Miss Lily's Pink Feather Boa," "Pink Me Up" and popular children's title "Pinkalicious," which prompted many eager lectors to recite the words aloud in unison. Eller also reserved a few encouraging words for the boys in attendance, many of whom were seemingly unaware that pink is often considered a very masculine shade, as well.

"I think planning events around books and getting kids to think outside the box helps them realize reading is actually fun," said Eller.

The Pink Afternoon was part of an extensive list of summer events spearheaded by Eller, including her increasingly popular Rhyme and Reason sessions with toddlers and upcoming events like Tuesday's Superhero Conference. Eller credits an excellent assemblage of adolescent and adult volunteers for the success of the events.

Following the reading, young book lovers rushed to the cotton candy and cupcake
stations while die-hard Pinkalicious devotees created their own pink wands at the glue station in spirit of the story's titular protagonist.

Eller is a former television producer with a master's degree in English. A dedicated bookworm, Eller's desire is to "encourage kids to come to the library and read, [thereby] making the library a destination, not a duty."

"[Eller] just has so much energy," said Larchmont librarian Bernadette McGuire.

The library at-large reciprocates the desire, seeing as the new and improved children's room will open in September, thanks largely to the community's financial support. The library will reward donors by engraving their names on a plaque.

"It's just so sweet that they do this for the kids," said Linda Watson, a long-time library patron. "They serve them and everything!"

Eller's energetic tone and aura was contagious throughout the afternoon, evidenced by the children's repetition of mantras particular to the day's literary titles. At one point, the vivacious crowd chanted 'pink' loud enough to capture the attention of construction workers on the intersection of Boston Post Road and Larchmont Avenue, who were half-expecting to see a third-wave feminist demonstration.