Lots of Activities for Little Ones

The library joined in commemorating Fire Prevention Week Oct 7 – 13. Some of our young patrons tried on fire gear and had their pictures taken. Staff members joined in as well. During time with the little ones and their parents/caregivers, information was shared about library resources for fire safety. One of the 26 pre-literacy kits the library is titled Fire Safety. Chief Kelly Kirk of the Liberal Fire Department provided the final approval for materials that went into this kit

The National Fire Protection Association has just come out with a book to celebrate Sparky’s 60^th birthday entitled Sparky the Fire Dog. It provides good information in a non-frightening manner and also incorporates some letter recognition to spell out a special message along the edge of the pages. The library was fortunate to receive some materials geared to children from the Seward County Fire Department which were distributed at our preschool story times during the week.

The next few weeks will feature lots of things at the library for little ones. The biggest event is the 8^th Annual Kansas Reads to Preschoolers, which will take place the week of November 12. If you are unfamiliar with this event, a special committee chooses a book annually that is read to as many preschoolers across the state as possible.  Here at Memorial Library that includes programs that take place at the library, as well as journeying with our special story, Lola Loves Stories by Anna McQuinn,  to preschools and to daycares, both the large ones and smaller home daycares.  The latter category is the one in which readers can provide us some assistance.  If you know of a home daycare provider who would like to have someone from the library come and read to the little ones in her care some time during the week, please have her phone the library (626-0180, ext. 4).  Library staff is always excited to make contact with the wonderful youngsters throughout the community.

Please note that our story times have resumed and will meet October 18 and November 1, 8, 15, and 29.  This is a fun time for little ones and their parents as well.  Check our website or phone the library for times.  November 15 is the day Lola Loves Stories will be shared in the library.  There are always more fun things than just the story library staffers read at their preschool earlier in the week, so plan to come and share the fun

It’s dress up time again!  Fancy Nancy will be held at the library on Saturday, November 3, from 10 to 11:30.  This is a fun time for children ages 4 through 7 to put on their fancy clothes and come down to our party.  This party will feature the posh puppy, so each child will celebrate the event by bringing their own plush puppy from home.  There will be a runway walk for the children to model their attire and show off their plush puppies.  Next we will share the story, do some puppy-themed crafts, and have a ‘people’ snack before the party concludes.  Reservations open October 18.  Either the children’s desk or the circulation desk can assist in getting your child signed up for this event.  As always, this is a popular program with limited spots available. If you find your child cannot attend once you’ve made the reservation, please give us a call and cancel so that another child can enjoy the event.

Another popular event for children here at the library is our annual Gingerbread House Decorating.  We will be hosting this once again during the first part of December.  Children 4 through 11 may make reservations for this event.  Watch the library website or in-library signage for dates and times. 

When young children tour the library, I always ask them, “Who do you think owns the library?”  Invariably, a lot of them respond, “You”, to which I am then able to say, “No, but you do.”  Then we talk a bit about the taxes that support our library.  Liberal has a wonderful facility in this library--don’t pass up the opportunity to check out its resources.  See you at Memorial Library!

Don't forget this week's events.  For our NASA series, Aaron Johnson from the National Weather Service in Dodge City will present a program on the Earth's atmosphere on Monday, October 15, at 4 p.m.  Thursday afternoon, October 18, is Chess from 4:30 to 5:30.  Anyone interested may attend these events.