There are times when a little noise in the library is perfectly acceptable.
Lesa Cole, youth services librarian at the Iola Public Library, watched with content as the gaggle of preschoolers flocked to the newest addition to the Family Place Center in the children’s section last week.
There, the youngsters excitedly got acquainted with the toy checkout stand, as if they were in an actual grocery store.
Plastic containers depicting canned goods or boxes of food were placed on the small conveyor belt as another preschooler punched buttons. An apparatus similar to a credit card swiper beeped periodically as a third fiddled with the controls.
The would-be grocery store is the library’s latest tool in getting children mentally prepared for kindergarten.
“Pretend play is very important,” Cole said. “It’s all geared toward letting kids learn through talk, read, sing, write and play.”
Hands-on learning took on greater emphasis about a year ago, after the Southeast Kansas Library System received a Children’s Cabinet Community Based Child Abuse Prevention Grant, with the library serving as the pilot recipient.
The funds have allowed Cole to add a number of pieces to the library over the past 12 months, including a toy kitchen area, a workshop and literacy center.
Plans are to expand the grant services to other libraries.
“It’s a popular area,” Cole said. “The kids are really enjoying it. They get so excited when they see what we have.”
The Family Engagement in Public Libraries model program — titled “Early Literacy can’t wait” — and the Cabinet extended the grant for three years, allowing for expansion to other libraries.
A PAIR of upcoming library programs are certain to carry special favor for youngsters with Christmas approaching.
Santa Claus will be at the library at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 14 to read “The Night Before Christmas” as part of the regular Library Littles storytime.
Elle Dominquez will be at the library at 2 p.m. Dec. 16 to read Christmas stories from her collection of vintage Little Golden Books in the library’s main lounge area.
Regular Library Littles sessions will resume in January.
