by Kristina Gabalski
The Charland boys have fun with the Discovery Boxes at the Hamlin Library developed in memory of their brother, Daniel. Sam is at the back, Nate is in front . A new and innovative lending program at the Hamlin Public Library provides pre-school patrons and their families with the opportunity to borrow books, engaging toys and learning materials while keeping alive the memory of a young community member.
Daniel’s Discovery Boxes are now in circulation and include six themed bins filled with a mix of educational items such as toys, games, dress-up materials and books for preschoolers. Activities include role-playing, reading, and discussion opportunities with an adult.
The program was developed in memory of young Daniel Charland, the infant son of library patrons Alicia and Kurt Charland, who moved back to their home community of Kendall before Daniel’s birth.
Alicia says Daniel passed away in May of 2012 following a high risk pregnancy and it was her mother who suggested the boxes would be a wonderful way to memorialize Daniel’s short, but very precious life.
“Hamlin has such a nice library,” Alicia says. “We enjoy coming here and getting books for the boys.”
The Charlands have two other young sons, Sam and Nate, and while living in Ontario County the family had enjoyed borrowing similar discovery boxes there.
The family missed the bins when they moved to Kendall, and so the idea to start the program at the Hamlin Library became a way for the Charlands to help work through their grief.
Alicia says the library staff has been wonderful from the beginning to help bring her family’s vision of the program to life.
The staff, “… specifically Kay (Library Director Kay Hughes-Dennett) were agreeable right from the start, breaking the boundaries of how small-town libraries traditionally service their patrons – making this testament to Daniel’s life a possibility. Right from the point I phoned Kay, days after his passing, the project gave us hope that his short life would have a lasting legacy in our community.”
Alicia explains that the boxes will help introduce families to various books. Additional items in the box relate to the theme of the books. It was particularly important for her, she says, that there be dress-up items in the boxes for roll-playing activities. The boxes the family borrowed while in Ontario County proved very helpful, for example, when one of her sons needed a trip to the emergency room for a broken bone. The hospital box had prepared her young son for the experiences he underwent, making them less stressful and scary, Alicia says.
The boxes have been fully funded through memorial donations in Daniel’s name – both monetary and in the form of contents for the boxes. Family, friends and community members also shared ideas about what materials would help spark learning and creativity in 2 to 5 year olds.
“We got $1,000 in donations immediately,” Alicia says. “We also got recommendations for themes from other moms.”
Alicia explains that some children asked that in lieu of presents for themselves at birthday parties, gifts be brought that could be donated for the boxes.
Thus, the Discovery Boxes are a, “…. collection everybody contributed to…. there is that personal aspect,” she says.
Alicia adds that a child-life specialist also provided guidance in developing the program.
“We have been overwhelmed by the interest the project has sparked in the community,” Alicia says. “We are grateful for the support of family and friends of the whole project. We are excited that Daniel’s spirit will remain in the community.”
Current Discovery Boxes include Kids Cook, Infant Fun (6-12 months), On the Farm, A Visit to the Hospital, Community Helpers and Get Up and Move.
The Kids Cook box, for example, includes fictional story books as well as cookbooks for kids, a chef puppet, chef costume and cooking tools, wooden play food sets and a citrus farming DVD for children.
Library Director Kay Hughes-Dennett says the Discovery Boxes are fun for children and tie books to model behaviors, like healthy eating and getting exercise.
“The boxes provide an opportunity to play-act with the books as a background,” she says. “To learn about moving your body, good foods and other really good things.”
The boxes also highlight community helpers like police and firefighters, people children look up to and should understand are there to help them in times of difficulty, Alicia says.
Hamlin Library patrons may check-out a box for one week at a time and the boxes must be returned to the Hamlin Library. Patrons are asked to keep Discovery Box items separated from other toys at home and to keep the contents as clean as possible.
“We have funds to expand the program,” Hughes-Dennet says. Eventually, a resource packet will be included for parents and caregivers with additional suggestions for learning opportunities.
Suggestions for improvements and donations to the program continue to be welcome, Charland and Hughes-Dennett add.
