North Haven’s Own ‘Kid Governor’ To Kick Off Library Circuit Tour In Hometown

From North Haven Memorial Library

NORTH HAVEN, CT — North Haven Memorial Library will kick off Connecticut’s 2026 Kid Governor Library Circuit tour with a hometown meet-and-greet celebrating Kid Governor Tessa Hallinan next month.

The event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. at the library at 17 Elm Street in North Haven.

Tessa, a North Haven resident, will be joined by Kid Governor Cabinet Member Ajla Reci of Wethersfield.

Students, parents, teachers, and the general public are invited to learn about Tessa’s Everyone Belongs platform, hear what it’s like to be Kid Governor, and find out how fifth-grade students can participate in this fall’s election for the 2027 Kid Governor.

The program will include an activity, an opportunity to meet Tessa and Ajla in person, and refreshments. This library event is free and open to the public.

“It means so much to launch this year’s Kid Governor Library Circuit right here at home,” said Susan Griffiths, Director of Library Services. “Tessa is one of our own; she has been coming to our library since she was a little kid, and we couldn’t be prouder to see a North Haven resident serving as Connecticut’s Kid Governor. We hope our neighbors will join us in celebrating her accomplishment and learning how young people can make a real difference in our state.”

Connecticut’s Kid Governor, an award-winning civic education program in residence at Connecticut’s Old State House, was created by The Connecticut Democracy Center. This ground-breaking approach to civics immerses fifth-grade students in learning about state government, elections and voting, and civic participation through a real-life election for their state’s Kid Governor.

Teachers can register their 2026-27 fifth-grade classes for the upcoming election for free at CT.KidGovernor.org. Support for the 2026 Kid Governor’s Library Circuit is provided by the Gawlicki Family Foundation, Connecticut Community Foundation, David Alan Hospitality Group, and Victus Coffee. The Connecticut Democracy Center provides people of all ages with a lifetime pathway to active citizenship and the tools to take civic action in their communities. Learn more at ctdemocracycenter.org.

The North Haven Memorial Library, located at 17 Elm Street in North Haven, CT, serves as a dynamic community hub which provides enrichment through a diverse array of programs and resources designed to foster lifelong learning and civic engagement. We provide a welcoming space for all ages, offering engaging events such as author talks, children's story times, and adult workshops, alongside specialized programs for teens and various health and wellness initiatives as well as books, digital media and technology. For more information on hours, programs, and events, visit www.northhavenlibrary.net or call 203-239-5803.