For the love of libraries

This story was featured in the December 2022 edition of Sandusky Living magazine. If you're interested in purchasing a copy, call the Register at 419-502-2130 while supplies last. From the perspective of a child, everything is different. Time moves slower, things seem bigger, much is out of your control and you know nothing of the world really past your own home. A strange old building with a red roof and heavy doors might be intimidating at first for someone so small, but any fear felt quickly fades for all children who find themselves in the wonderland of the Children's Service Department of the Sandusky Library. What is it about this part of the library that is so enchanting? Maybe it's the brightly colored walls or the characters that adorn them? Perhaps it's all the books, games, toys and opportunities for fun? More than likely, though, it's the positivity that radiates from the welcoming staff that which always makes kids feel safe and comfortable. "The Children's Department at the Sandusky Library is a place for families. We have so many resources available and dedicated staff members that enjoy working with the kids and families in our community," said Carly Rogers, Youth Service Librarian. "We always have something new happening, so it's a great place to visit with children of all ages." Currently, the staff of the Children's Service Department of the Sandusky Library consists of Emily Kimball, Carly Rogers, Lori Stacy, Lori Loreno and Jane Kaftan. The wonderful women of the Children's Service team work fluidly with one another in order to serve the community in an essential way that which often goes unnoticed to many adults. "Sandusky Library is a Family Place certified Library. It took us a number of years to earn our certification. We are one of only four library systems in the State of Ohio that are designated as Family Place Libraries," Kimball said. "This means that we serve families in our community that have young children between the ages of 0-5. Early Literacy is so important and the more that we can support families with young children the higher their likelihood to succeed throughout their lives. We are trying to ensure that by the time these children enter into preschool they already have a firm early literacy foundation." How do they make the magic happen? The team takes their love for literature mixed with their backgrounds in education, social work and parenthood and uses their combined experience and knowledge to help curate and carryout a wide variety of enriching programs, while helping nurture children's natural curiosity and desire to learn through exploration and play. For Kimball, who is also the Children's Services Manager, the tasks are endless. From scheduling the team, planning and running programs and ordering new books, movies and media for kids, teens and parents to guiding tours for the Follett House Museum for area schools field trips and filling in all the spaces in between. Alongside her, Rogers, Stacy, Loreno and Kaftan are always busy helping foster the love of reading within children with interactive and entertaining programs, story times, community outreach, or assisting library-goers with finding exactly what they're looking for while offering a helping hand to those who haven't a clue what to read next. Without all the hard work the team puts in, there would cease to be all these enjoyable opportunities for children to expand their minds. "Sitting at the children's desk, we see kids light up when they get here," Kaftan said. "They go to their favorite spot, grab a toy or a book, dig into the shelves to find their next read. Clearly we foster a love of books but I also think we foster a love for our community here." "It's important to bring the babies and children in so they are emerged in programs and have their little hands on books as soon as possible," Loreno added. Some of the upcoming programs and events that will end the year, presented by the Children's Services Department, include: • Babies and Books, and Play, Learn, Grow, both on Dec. 6 and 13. These back-to-back storytime and play programs are geared toward parents and caregivers of babies and young toddlers, and feature music, stories and playtime. • Toddler Tales and Story Stop on Dec. 7. Similar to the above-mentioned, Toddler Tales features a storytime with rhymes, music and movements. • Family Movie Day featuring The Santa Clause on Dec. 10. This fun-for-the-whole-family event takes place once a month with snacks, drinks and blankets welcomed. • Can You Find Elsie the Library Elf, Dec.1-23. See if you can locate the Library's scout elf all through the month and win a prize. • New Year's at Noon on Dec. 31. Count down to the New Year with the kids while they're awake and can celebrate at this special event that will feature a take-home activity bag. In partnership with the Children's Hunger Alliance, the Children's Service Department also has the After School Snacks program that runs continuously. Snacks containing items from each of the five MyPlate food groups is distributed Monday through Friday, 4-4:45 p.m. in the Frohman Room. "I believe that we make a huge impact on our community. The children we see today will hopefully continue to have a relationship with the library," Stacy said. "Reading is a vital skill and one way to foster the love of reading is to bring your child to the library." More information on upcoming programs can be found online at sanduskylib.org.