After more than two months The Andalusia Public Library welcomed back children to its regular Story Time on Friday, April 14, following the department for children was completely renovated.
The fresh look is completed with new carpet, brand new lighting, a new arrangement of furniture and a fresh look for the children’s play area. The theme for Friday featured “The very hungry caterpillar” with rainbows.
“We had to shut down February in order to complete some remodeling. The children’s section is gorgeous, bright and thrilling. The only thing that was missing was our kids and we’re so thrilled to have a huge number of people today.” the Children’s Librarian Caryl Lee Ray told.
Ray presented the show as a puppet last Friday, and librarian Threasa Martin read from the renowned books for children called “The The Very Hungry Caterpillar” written by Eric Carle. Children also made caterpillars as well as butterflies, and they learned about their colors.
Local children are part of the Story Time activity involving caterpillars butterflies, caterpillars, and other shades in the expanded seating arrangements as well as tables in the Andalusia Public Library. (PHOTO by ZACK MAIO)
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of the basic children’s books available. It covers all different colors, and the transition from being tiny to being very large. It illustrates the struggles and how you could be in a difficult situation, and then transform into a butterfly and the world can turn joyful and beautiful. This is a hands-on project for children. They begin with tiny caterpillars. They will then witness an enormous one emerge in the final .”
The decor of the department for children was refreshed with a theme of woodland. Ray and the rest of the library staff created their murals on the wall behind.
“After every environmental problems we’ve faced in the past, we are now on the chance to start fresh. Our floors were cleaned and our lights don’t flash anymore. The city rebuilt the staircase leading towards the house and children are safer to climb and descend. The stage that we use for puppets is moved up and is now more accessible to us. The entrance to our room is decorated with trees, woodland creatures, and trees surrounding an inscription. I am grateful to our friend Mr. (John) Vick, for all he’s done to grant us this space,” she said.
Ray was ecstatic about the possibility of bringing the return of Story Time after a two-month absence.
“I enjoy working with children, watching their minds expand and have them visit us on a regular basis. I grew up at this library, and not only do I be here, but I also am able to share activities and stories that help them learn to read. This begins a series of stories that they read at the end of every Story Time and come back next week to read more. .”
Story Time takes place each Friday from 10:30 a.m. at the Library. It has a different theme every week.
“Now since I’ve had renovated my home, I have plenty of room for our kids. It’s also an opportunity for mothers to connect with others mothers in the community and to make connections. There are also children who are homeschooled who attend. This gives parents the chance to connect with their kids and infants and for the community to connect.”
Ray claimed that the greatest thing parents can do when they are at home is read.
“The more people read more, the better. There’s a saying that it takes approximately 11,000 hours spent in the lap beat the time spent on apps. If you sit your child on the lap of your child and you read with them and they are able to associate the love of reading with caring. They feel loved and receive an incredibly warm and cozy feeling. It’s something you share and creates a positive bond which can last the time they wish to .”
Dist. 4 Commissioner Tommy McGaha added the new LED lights. Greathouse Floors provided the new carpeting. The City of Andalusia officials have made a few cosmetic adjustments.
“We are open to all children, even babies every week. It’s a chance to grow and also for parents to bond with their children. Storytime is for all ages from toddlers to large people. We will keep following the same routine similar to what we had in the past, prior to when the children’s section was revamped,” Ray said.
The Andalusia Public Library is located at the address of 212 South Three Notch Street and is open all hours from eight a.m. up to five p.m. Every day from Monday until Friday. For more information e-mail library@cityofandalusia.com or call 334-222-6612.
The article The article APL’s Story Time returns after two-month renovation project was originally published in The Andalusia Star-News.
