The “Library Littles” program launched last month at Iola Public Library will be held virtually at 10 a.m., Dec. 16 due to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases.
The library program is for preschoolers and their parents and is the third Thursday of every month. The program includes a guest speaker, activities for parents and their children, and a story time. Last month’s program enjoyed a full house. The limit for participants is 24.
Lesa Cole, children’s librarian, leads the program. Next week’s guest is Liz Turner, an occupational therapist with Greenbush Learning Center.
The speakers, who address topics of interest to adults, keep their talks brief and allow for questions. Last month’s topic was how to apply for health insurance through the federal government’s Marketplace.
“It’s a little bit of talking for the adults and a whole lot of playing for the children,” Cole said of the program.
The goal is to not only bring more families into the library but also introduce parenting skills.
Also on tap at the library are weekly story times beginning in late January.
With that in mind, Cole said library staff are looking to spiff up the children’s area. Included in the re-do is to remove “the castle” that takes up a sizable portion of a corner of the room.
The castle measures 11.5 feet by 6.5 feet by 8 feet and was built in 2017.
According to Sharon Moreland, library director, the lumber for the castle cost $2,300 of which the Friends of the Library provided $1,500.
“I think we’ll start with an asking price of $2,000 for the castle,” said Moreland. “Any proceeds would go back to the friends.”
For those interested in acquiring the structure, contact either Cole at [email protected] or Moreland at [email protected] or call 365-3262.
