Library promotes enthusiasm for books
The following is a Counterpoint
By Colleen Pinyan
My family has had quite a different experience than Marie Beers (Letter, Aug. 28) with the Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Library. No, this branch is not a traditional library with hushed voices and quiet rooms. However, that is not its function. The city built this branch as a family library, and when you consider its atmosphere in that context, the library and its staff are a success.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday, the library is bustling with preschoolers and their families. Moving a large number of preschoolers and their families in and out of the story time room is not always a quiet endeavor; however, the situation is not ''out of control.'' Once story time begins, the children pay close attention to the children's librarian, the wonderful Tammy Miller. She mesmerizes them with books, finger plays and stories on her story board.
Ms. Beers suggests limiting the story time to 20 children. That would exclude too many children. When I lived in Arlington, Va., the library limited the number of children and required preregistration months in advance. If a parent was not there when the registration opened, their child did not have a chance to participate in the story times. Often, those who needed the story time the most were left out. This library, however, goes to great lengths to include as many children as possible. The staff has scheduled additional times to accommodate as many children as want to come.
This branch also has programs for elementary students. Weekly, students come to hear stories, make crafts and have a snack. Most importantly, they are learning. Last week, for example, the library brought in an expert all the way from the Pine Knolls Aquarium for a sea turtle talk. Sometimes, the entire staff gets involved with these activities. For example, at the kick-off for the summer reading program, one librarian played island music. Other librarians served snacks, and still more assisted the kids with crafts.
People coming here expecting a traditional library model probably are disappointed. However, they should consider the benefits to the many kids who come. From the toddlers to the elementary students, the children at this library are taught to respect books and love reading. They come together to learn that reading can open doors in ways that no other media can do.
The writer lives in Greensboro.
Comments (9)
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Speaking of Islamist Fascism, here's an interesting article:
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200608u/fallows-interview/2
Posted on September 1, 2006 4:54 AM
Even if the particular branch you referenced IS geared toward children, structure and appropriate behavior in a library setting should be taught. All know children will run wild if not taught better. That is their nature. It is up to parents and substitute parents to see that this does not happen in public places (except parks).
And believe it or not, teaching children to be respectful will not permanently scar their little egos. It will save them a lifetime of stress by ensuring they learn socially acceptable behavior.
Posted on September 1, 2006 8:14 AM
JDR, did you post to the right thread? Maybe another cup of coffee would be in order.
Yvonne, I've been to the branch during story time. There aren't kids running wild. There are kids who are learning to love books. If they make a little more noise than the adult patrons, who cares? These kids are getting something so valuable it would be irresponsible to put a stop to it.
Posted on September 1, 2006 11:16 AM
Hey I thought is was a threat about the Library - you know, reading and all that ... ?? Islamist Fascism affects our kids ... I'm perfectly on topic, Phillipa!
well, maybe not - but given the choice of letters today, this was the best place to share something I had read this morning
Posted on September 1, 2006 11:44 AM
Speaking of Islamist Fascism, a tropical storm has just made landfall at the coast. 10-1 a spate of 'global warming' LTEs will follow...
Posted on September 1, 2006 12:15 PM
Great informative LTE.
I agree with the writer and with Yvonne, as well.
Even the best behaved preschoolers are still learning how to use their 'inside' voices, though.
I think it is great that this Library is offering so much for the kids. And especially for 'free'. It's not every parent who can afford to lay down $20 to take their kids to the Natural Science Museum or Children's Museum every week.
I do think if this library was intended to serve both children and adults, they could have done a much better job of separating the two areas.
Posted on September 1, 2006 12:29 PM
More on the Islamic Fascist story here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/31/AR2006083101460_pf.html
Posted on September 1, 2006 2:20 PM
Neocon:
It's not surprising at all to me just how little coverage has been given to the story cited by your link. After the endless speculation, news coverage, breaking news CNN headlines, etc, the answer is finally out there.
Posted on September 1, 2006 4:06 PM
This part grabs me:
"WE'RE RELUCTANT to return to the subject of former CIA employee Valerie Plame because of our oft-stated belief that far too much attention and debate in Washington has been devoted to her story and that of her husband, former ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV, over the past three years."
I wonder just how "reluctant" they would be had this lie indicted Dick Cheney or W himself?
Posted on September 1, 2006 6:58 PM