Along with the rest of the world, the library world has been tossed on its head. Instead of opening our doors and welcoming one and all, the doors are closed. Even as we plan for reopening, we have to limit some of the things we love best – the in-library story times, the crafting groups, the book discussion groups, and the everyday connections that we make with our patrons who stop in for a book and a chat.
What’s a librarian to do? We do all that we can to provide online services, reach out to our communities with phone calls, and email. We help volunteer support groups in town. Then, maybe, we dress up as a dragon and dance on the library lawn.
One of Wilton’s intrepid librarians did just that recently, for the library’s first drive-by children’s event.
Ms. Boo, Youth Services Librarian, donned the dragon suit and danced with tacos on the library lawn for her first “Guess the Book” event. Dragons and tacos? Can anyone guess the title? Ms. Boo will be on the library lawn on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m., and then will read the book online through Facebook Live, Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. What will this week’s book be? Drive by and see if you can guess, then catch the story on Facebook to see if you guessed correctly.
Why? Literacy is still important. Learning to navigate the world of sounds, language and stories is still the basis for success in reading and learning. While some things may have to take a back seat right now, reading to children is not one of them. If your supply of children’s books at home is limited, check out the e-book and audiobook options for children that your library offers. We have all been bolstering our children’s collections online, so head to your library website and start downloading. If you need a library card, contact your library. Some allow library card sign-up right from their online catalogs.
For a fun read for children of any age, check out “Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin. Available on Hoopla as a read along video, and on New Hampshire Downloadable Books or the Libby app as an e-book. There’s even a sequel! Wave and honk when you drive by!
Pat Fickett is the Director of the Wilton Public & Gregg Free Library