You would be forgiven for thinking, upon stumbling onto campus this morning, that Columbia had suddenly become a pre-school. Yes, the overwhelming forces of toddlerdom have arrived for the Third Annual Great Children’s Read, put together by the New York Times and the Brooklyn, Queens, and New York Public Libraries. 

The event, a combination of readings and music performances, runs until 5 p.m., and there are some decent names among the performers. Famous readers include Jerry Stiller, Julianne Nicholson, and actors and actresses from several of Broadway’s biggest shows. Scheduled to appear on the musical side: John Carter Cash, Yo Gabba Gabba, and Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary fame. And, if nothing else, this may be the last time to see crowded lawns until May.