Libraries locally will join more than 365 libraries across the United States, Canada and Germany to celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day! on Saturday, February 1.
This is just the third year of the event which is the brainchild of Waterford, Connecticut children’s librarian Nadine Lipman.
The first Saturday in February is the time selected to celebrate a child’s most recent or very first trip to the library, and events including performances, storytimes and crafts will showcase for young patrons and their families the variety of services offered by libraries every day.
The Monroe County Public Library System is celebrating and special activities and programs are planned at many local libraries.
At the Hamlin Public Library, the celebration will take place from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
All children attending will receive a bookmark, pencil and take-home craft project.
“Come and see our new collection of Discovery Boxes,” library officials say. The boxes are themed bins with books, toys and puzzles meant to offer learning opportunities for pre-school children.
Natalie Burch, children’s librarian at the Seymour Library in Brockport, says their program runs from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. and includes Fancy Faces of Rochester with face painting and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Operation Safe Child will be on-site with photo ID cards for children. Also planned are stations with crafts, games and stories.
At the Parma Public Library, the celebration is planned from 1 to 3 p.m.
Library Director Becky Tantillo says there will be stations with crafts and Legos for children in pre-school through sixth grade.
“You don’t have to stay for the entire session,” she says. “It will be a fun time for families and kids.”
At the Chili Public Library stories and crafts are planned from 10 to 11 a.m. “We’re going to have a lot of fun with the kids,” Library Assistant Debbie Amesbury says. “It’s not the library it used to be – all hush, hush.”
Amesbury says its fine for the kids to make a little noise as they enjoy all the library has to offer. The day’s events may also include a tour around the library so children and their families can become more familiar with how materials and services are organized.
At the Gates Public Library, a number of activities are planned. Organizers say there will be prize drawings throughout the day, games and puzzles. Participants can also write postcards to legislators, letting them know how much they “love the library.”
At the Ogden Farmers’ Library, Missy Reed will join children ages 0 to 4 for singing, dancing and instrument making at 11:30 a.m. Registration is required. For older children the library offers book raffles and a make-and-take craft all day. Face painting will be available from 1 to 3 p.m.
