Review #449 None Elite Squad…read more Ok I guess, nothing big or special except for this cool PokeStop. If you get a gift to give from this PokeStop then it becomes a cool memory..4 stars for the PokeStop

It was easy to spot this bright blue Little Free Library in this residential neighborhood around…read morethe corner from the HVN airport. Thankfully, the traffic was low and I could stop to browse. A single door secured by a twist catch. Inside, two shelves with many of the books lying on their sides. Nearly all paperbacks including mostly children's books and a version of the Bible. I did take the Sarah Ferguson book for my wife and it was deposited a few days later at another library. This is charter number 169455. The online listing in the Little Free Library database map includes the name "Rose's Library" but no steward or caption. [Review 1064 of 2025 - 117 in Connecticut - 24618 overall]

I can't believe I've never reviewed the Strand. I guess I haven't visited in years?! Well, I…read morecorrected that oversight last Sunday, and I still love it as much as I did when I was in college. I love bookstores, and NYC has lots of great ones. But the Strand Bookstore might be the best? It's a classic. It's the largest independent bookstore in the city, carrying 2.5 million used, new, and rare books (their tag line - "18 Miles of Books" refers to the fact that the shelf space in the store supposedly stretches over 18 miles)! Plenty of people just shop front their discount racks outside the sidewalk (where all books are $3-7) and then pop in just to pay. But the inside is incredible. More books than almost any bookstore I've ever been to. Still family-owned, over 100 years old, and with an emphasis on bookseller recommendations, it's just an excellent bookstore. When I stopped by on Sunday, I made it past about four tables and end displays - new fiction, signed books, and employee recommendations - about 50 feet into the store. I already had six books in my hands and decided I better leave quickly before I had a problem! Despite the size of the store and the number of shoppers, the line to check out was short and quick. With friendly customer service to boot. It's simply one of the best bookstores in the city. Maybe in the country, too?! Definitely check it out.

I was so surprised to see I have not written a review for Strand even though I have visited several…read moretimes. Strand Book Store is a landmark family owned bookstore famous for its "18 miles of books" and a massive inventory of over 2.5 million new, used, and rare titles. There are four floors - the first floor which is usually very busy and chaotic features a vast collection of new releases and best-sellers, and a wide variety of Strand themed merchandise The lower level is mainly non-fiction and music and travel section. The second floor has art, photography, architecture and children's books. The third floor is rare books. The store is packed with books and if you cannot find a book here it may not exist. It is easy to spend hours browsing through the aisles.

This is a fully loaded Little Free Library. I love stumbling upon these little gems. This one is…read moreright outside of the Harry Barnes Nature Center. It's nicely painted with a pretty red and the bookcase was loaded with a variety of books. It's worth a stop after visiting the nature center and walking the trail (with an awesome boardwalk).

Our neighborhood preschool is an absolute gem and we couldn't be happier with it! My second child…read morepresently attends and I have an older child that graduated. What impresses me most is that everything in the classroom and every daily activity is thoughtfully considered to help a child's development and inspire a sense of wonder for learning. The teachers are professionals who have studied child development and are often working on graduate degrees in education (or already have advanced degrees). The school is a warm and welcoming environment. The teachers are accessible and happy to answer any questions. The school also has "teacher talks" where they meet with parents and chat about different topics - like mindful parenting, creating positive sleep, dealing with transitions, etc. Classes are small, and well staffed. There are community building events like "Shabbat sing" and parent get-togethers. Kids talk about Jewish holidays and have occasionally had visitors (a rabbi who demos an oil press to make oil for Hanukah). I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this wonderful preschool. In a city with overwhelming choices and opinions, it is probably one of the only parenting decisions I'm thrilled about.

This is our third year at Yaldaynu. I could not ask for a better school for my children. Programs…read moreand teachers are fantastic. Children are exposed to art, science, literacy, nature, biology - all in an incredible playful, fun and nurturing way. The school is led by an intelligent and hard worker principal, who cares about these children as they were her own. My children are growing into smart, balanced, curios and sweet human beings because of Yaldaynu. I am so thankful for this school!

This Little Free Library is located outside of the Avon Historical Society. There is a bench nearby…read moreand some informational signs. Route 44 is adjacent so it is a busy area. The Little Free Library can be missed, so if you're walking in the area, worth a stop to read the signs and pick up or drop off books.