Lesa Cole, children’s librarian at Iola Public Library, presented the program at the February meeting of the Allen County Area Retired School Personnel.
Cole said literacy begins at birth so they were excited when the library received a grant to create a special place for families. The purpose is to prevent child abuse and neglect, to offer a safe place for children and to prepare them for learning through activities including dramatic play, games, puzzles, etc. A family place library has trained staff to also include parent/child activities.
Cole also does outreach at the elementary school, at SAFEBASE, and brings in preschool students to the library for special activities. They will have a summer program with the theme All Together Now.
The library will have its Everything Chocolate sale on Feb. 14. Anyone can donate chocolate items on the 13th.
Linda Johnson reminded members to bring their number of volunteer hours to the next meeting. Money from the December collection was given to the Food Pantry. Don Bain added that a meeting to discuss COLA benefits is Feb. 8.
The next meeting is Wednesday, April 5. All retired school personnel are welcome to attend.
