A library card opens up a world of resources

Getting your first library card is a right of passage, and Meri Carney, the Mohr Library’s Children’s Librarian, is happy to issue cards for every member of a family. While many families enjoy the ritual of bringing a child into the library to sign for a card once he or she can write her own name, Carney said the library would provide cards to children of any age, including babies.

But you don’t need a card to enjoy the library just to check out materials. Carney said their goal is to introduce children and families to the library and its resources. In addition to books, in both print and audio formats, videos and magazines, the library, with funding provided by the “Friends of the Library” offers programs geared to a variety of interests and ages that provide children and caregivers a chance to share stories, crafts and activities together.

For instance, the library is set up with “I Spy” games, created by volunteer Kathy Lombardo, that encourage children to explore different facets of the library while they search for clues. And every Saturday from 11 am to 3:30 pm, there is a craft time for families offered in the Children’s room.

Another opportunity to meet new friends is the LEGO club, on the second Thursday of the month. The Office of Library Services (OLIS), and LEGO Systems, donated 10,000 LEGO elements to the library, which are available during this hands-on program. Children and their caregivers can build creations of their own design, and Carney said it’s fun to watch the kids build together, make friends, and begin to act out stories to animate their creations. She said it’s a popular program, especially with 8 to 10 year olds, and as many as thirty children may attend on any given month. Children over the age of 5 are welcome to attend.

Carney and her assistant Michelle Surprenant are particularly proud of the “People and Places” program that introduces global cultures to children in grades K-3. The program will feature a different country each month, and include music, a short film, and, usually, food to sample. The first in the series is February 3, celebrating China and the Chinese New Year. Upcoming months will feature Italy, India and

During school vacations, including the week of February 20, the library will have something going on every day, including a popular program that brings live animals to the library for children to hold and pet.

Carney said the library also offers traditional story time programs, and their goal is for people to know that “something happens at a specific day and time” so families know they can drop in regularly and enjoy time together.

And, finally, for those who avoid the library for fear of running up a fine for overdue books, the library now offers an e-library which allows patrons with a valid library card to check out books, music and movies online. It’s not necessary to visit the library to access these programs, and when the materials are “due” they simply disappear from the tablet or computer, so there are not late fees.

The library offers a wealth of materials for young and old, and Carney encourages families to make a habit of visiting the library to enjoy time together and start an early habit of reading and learning.