The Library is for All Ages

Summer has arrived. School is over for the summer. Families are planning trips. Kids and adults are signed up for swim classes, art camps, jazz and ballet classes, and more. Visits to the local aquarium are scheduled. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are seeking activities that engage the brain and keep the body active.

Along with those physical activities, we also need mental stimulation. A wonderful place to visit is the local library. Alan and I take our grandchildren, Rowan and Eden, to the library.

Our local library offers more than books. There are classes for children and adults. From games to crafts to story time, the library is filled with activities and ways to learn. We’ve created origami creatures, listened to special guests share about other countries, participated in a scavenger hunt in the children’s section, attended music hour in a special room, and sat in a window book nook to read books. 

After we have chosen books to take home, we get in line at the checkout counter, and wait our turn. A table nearby offers coloring pages, word find sheets, information about the ocean, and a calendar of upcoming events. These things are for everyone to take home. No charge.

Last year, a display near the entrance offered free seeds for everyone to take home. This gave a great learning experience for kids and adults. We planted cosmos seeds and watched beautiful plants burst from the soil providing purple and white flowers during the summer.

Another project was a plastic bag with a bean inside. Instructions on how to take care of the bean and how to watch it grow were provided. Each project offered the opportunity to share what we learned with each other.

The Summer Reading Program offers prizes for a certain amount of books read. T-shirts, bookmarks, and coupons to local eateries can be earned.

My local writer’s group, the American Christian Fiction Writers South Carolina Lowcountry chapter meets at the library on the fourth Saturday of the month. We have a private room with tables, chairs, and a television screen for online presentations. The members of the group have expressed thankfulness for the library, the staff, and the volunteers.

The children’s area is decorated with unique art pieces. From a large mural of a dinosaur to paintings and drawings by local folks, there is always something new to enjoy at the library.

Recently, as we entered the library, I realized that “Storytime for Toddlers” was finishing. Toddlers filled the children’s area. Parents and grandparents followed as the smiling young ones walked from the book shelves to the computer area to the play area. The children’s section was buzzing with sounds of laughter and stories being read aloud.

I looked at Rowan. He didn’t complain about all of the babies and toddlers. He smiled and looked at his sister Eden. Rowan was on a mission looking for books. Bop (my husband Alan) and Rowan went to look for chapter books. Eden and I went to the computer games and to find stories about baby animals.

The staff is always available to help us find a book or to offer guidance. When we enter the Wando Mount Pleasant Library, we are greeted with smiles. As we search, the staff is happy to help us find the perfect book. When we’re ready to check out, we are greeted with more smiles. Sometimes, we receive bookmarks or stickers.

Some libraries offer food programs for the summer. Free food is given to those people who need nourishment.

Looking around, I notice people sitting in comfy chairs reading newspapers. I see folks searching for books. I see people returning books at the designated area. The activity inside the building is fascinating.

The Charleston Friends of the Library Big Book Sale event was recently held at a local auditorium. Over 50,000 books were available for purchase at low prices. This event helps raise funds.

I’m thankful for libraries and librarians. I’m also thankful for authors and books. I’m an author and seeing people reading and checking out books from the library makes me smile.

Have you visited your local library? What interesting activities did you notice?

Have a blessed day,

Melissa Henderson

Library Time with Eden’s Class

I received an email from our son Mike. “Hey, Mom. Here’s a sign-up sheet if you are interested in helping with the school library.” My answer was “Yes, I’ll fill out the form right now.” As a former substitute teacher and library aide, I was eager and wanted to help with granddaughter Eden’s class. I’ll sign up for grandson Rowan’s library time, too. The excitement was building as I prepared for library time with Eden’s class.

The online form was simple. Basic information. After I completed the form, another part of registering to help at the school was required. I’m thankful for the extra attention that the school requires for volunteers. A background check was completed. Two long videos with questions to answer were part of the requirement. The school is dedicated to the well-being of the children. 

All tests were completed and passed. I am now a registered volunteer.

On the day I was scheduled to help in the library, Bop(Alan) drove me to the school. He waited in the parking area while I was in the building. The library class was for forty minutes. I entered the office and told the lady at the desk my name and why I was there. She gave me a special lanyard to show I was a guest, and then, another sweet woman introduced herself and said she would take me to the library. Everyone was friendly and thanked me for being there to read to the children.

When we arrived at the library room, the woman asked, “What are you planning to do?” 

I answered, “I’ll help with whatever the librarian needs.”

I didn’t know that there wasn’t a librarian. The volunteers help with checking out books, making crafts, and reading. I quickly looked around and said that I would read some books. I had planned to read to the young ones but thought there might be an activity already waiting. The Pre-K class doesn’t check out books yet.

Looking at the shelves and displays, I found several cute stories. I sat in a little chair and read the books to myself while I waited for Eden’s class. 

In a few minutes, I heard giggles and footsteps as the children came upstairs to the library. They entered the room quietly. Eden looked at me and grinned. She was very proper. She didn’t run to get a snuggle. She was following the directions from the teacher. 

Each child found a spot on the circular rug and sat down. I introduced myself and told them that I was happy to see everyone.

“Hello, I’m Mrs. Henderson.”

Hands began raising. “You’re Eden’s grandma.” “You’re Eden’s Mimi.”

Eden grinned and raised her hand.

I said, “Yes, Eden?”

“Mimi, you’re my grandmother.”

“Yes, I am your grandmother.”

After the introductions of each child and their name, the room quieted, and I began to read.

I love to change my voice while reading. Each character has a different tone to fit. The expressions on the faces of the children were delightful. They listened and when one book was finished, they found another one for me to read aloud.

Between stories, I suggested that we stand and do a little stretching. The class of ten kids reached to the sky, and then, found their knees, elbows, eyes, and shoulders. We laughed as we exercised in the library. 

A bell rang and library time was over. The teacher called everyone to line up to go back to class. Shouts of “Thank you Mrs.Henderson.” “ Thank you Mimi.” “ Thank you Eden’s grandma.” were exclaimed as they walked back to their classroom.

I listened as the children left. I began putting away books. I laughed out loud when I heard the comments.

“That was fun. I want her to come again.”

“Eden, I like your Mimi.”

And then, one boy stated, “That was too long.” I fell over laughing when I heard his comment. 

Volunteering is a precious gift to give to your children, grandchildren, and any child. Schools need volunteers. 

Next time, I will take copies of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”.

Have you volunteered at a school? I always learn lessons from precious children.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4 NIV)

Blessings,

Melissa Henderson aka Mimi