Fun crafts, winning bear, new children’s librarian (March library report)
Library Craft Kits
The creative staff at your Lyons Community Library is always coming up with something new during this time of no in-person-contact. Recently, our previous Youth Services Librarian, BJ Campbell, introduced Take and Make Craft Kits. Parents or kids can pick up a new kit each week and create something fun without too much parental preparation. The supplies are all in the bags that are available on the front porch of the library during open library hours; and the instructions include a link to some ideas on the internet for the craft to get you started. The kits have often been geared toward the season or holiday, like Valentine’s Day or snowman puppets and popsicle stick snowflakes around Christmas time.
I snagged a kit in February that was to make a collage valentine. There was enough material in the kit for my daughter, Autumn, and I to each make a valentine. One we put in the library window and one to send to grandma. We glued bits of colored paper and some sequins to a sheet of card stock, and then cut out the hearts. It was fun and something to keep us occupied together and away from a computer screen for a little while. Yesterday, Autumn and her mom wove a beautiful wall hanging from this week’s Take and Make Kit.
Although the materials in the kits are mostly cut out and ready to assemble, BJ wants craft makers to be creative. “We encourage them to try new things. To take off on their own. To explore their creativity. And we’ve seen some amazing projects.“
Stop by the library to pick up one for your family. If none are left, let BJ know, and she might be able to make up an extra one for you.
Winning Bear
In other library news, we have a winning name for the new bear and the boy sculpture on the corner of Fourth and Railroad. There were many suggested names and the selection committee had a tough decision but finally chose Ursa Libris. Ursa is the Latin word for bear and Libris is also Latin meaning “from the library.” Libris is often used in the term “ex libris,” which is a bookplate or a label pasted on the inside cover of a book with the owner’s name. Ursa is frequently seen in the name of the constellation Ursa Major (greater she-bear), a portion of which is what’s commonly called the Big Dipper. Two of the stars in the Big Dipper point to Polaris (the North Star), which is part of the constellation Ursa Minor (the lesser bear or the Little Dipper). So, say hello to Ursa Libris the next time you come to the library—which we hope will be soon!
Library Programs for Young People
“I really wanted to work with children again,” says Becki Loughlin when asked why she has taken the position as Youth Services Librarian at the Lyons Community Library. “It’s a real passion of mine.” She is also glad to be working in Lyons where she has connections in the community and at the schools. “I know Andrea Smith, the principal at the Middle/Senior High School and have met with Baiba Lennard, the librarian at the elementary school.”
Becki is talking with the schools and others in the community to learn what programs they are looking for, what the community needs, what the library can offer to get us through the pandemic time and especially as we move into being open again soon. “I was especially excited about the new building and the potential it brings for new programs.” She has started a weekly online story time, and her remarkably friendly and kind personality shines through these presentations. She is practically Lyons’s own version of Mr. Rogers.
Before coming to Lyons, Becki managed the Carbon Valley Regional Library in Firestone and had previous experience as a children’s librarian in Erie. She lives in Longmont with her husband and two daughters, all readers and outdoor enthusiasts.
One focus for Becki in the coming months will be book talks for third to fifth graders. “That’s such an important age to hook kids on reading,” she says. “We will tell them about new books and how, through the library, they can read for fun, not just for school. We want to get them excited about new books that have come out.”
Another upcoming priority will be a summer reading program where kids can get safely engaged with new things. She says, “We’re all getting a little fatigued with the way things have been for the past year. We’re looking for new things to do.”
Teens are another group she will try to draw into the library. “We’re competing with lots of other things for their attention,” she says, “so we have to be creative. I’m going to form a teen advisory board to formulate programs. Maybe something related to gaming.” Teen “coding classes” are already planned starting April 6 with our technical librarian Dana.
And finally, of course, are the very young children whom she is reaching with her baby story times, where there is music and silliness and stories. “You have to hook them early to love the library, and then you can hold on to them for life.”
If you have children, or are a child yourself, or just still feel like a child, you can stop into the library now, with an appointment, and meet Becki to learn about all the things the Lyons Community Library has to offer. Call ahead (303) 823-5165.
