Doug Bernstein, long-time Westport resident and co-founder of Melissa & Doug® toy company, discusses the ins and outs of starting and growing his and Melissa's hugely successful toy company over 23 years. Journalist and NPR reporter Alison Freeland will moderate the conversation in the library’s McManus Room from 7:30-9 p.m.
Beginning in the garage of Doug's parents' home before expanding to Gault family buildings on Riverside Avenue, Melissa & Doug® has grown to become one of the most trusted names in children's products, creating over 2,000 toys, games, and activities spanning virtually every category of play. Customers worldwide have purchased billions of dollars of toys produced by Melissa & Doug® through a unique distribution network of more than 15,000 retailers in 80 countries. Melissa and Doug's mission has remained the same throughout the years: to offer products with tremendous value, quality and design, and to make each and every customer a happy and permanent member of the Melissa & Doug® family.