Diana White began making library trips when her children were young.

Thursday, June 08, 2000

Diana White began making library trips when her children were young.

"I have a 19-year-old son and we started at the library many years ago," she said.

Wednesday, it became her 2-year-old son Luke’s turn.

Briggs Lawrence County Public Library’s Mommie and Me program opened this year, its third, with twice the attendance children’s librarian Cheryl Blankenship expected.

"I made places for four and ended up with eight," Mrs. Blankenship said.

The program targets 2-year-olds and their parents or guardians, introducing them to the fun and excitement of the library, she said.

Wednesday’s toddlers listened as the librarian told stories and helped them sing songs.

Then, Mrs. Blankenship turned them into little crafters as they made star posters and other crafts.

"It’s a special time and for a lot of kids it’s their time," she said.

In many families, big sister has her ballet class or big brother has Little League practice, Mrs. Blankenship said.

"But they call this their library class; it’s their class."

Mrs. White sat with Luke, listening and helping throughout Wednesday’s half hour of activities.

She has brought all her children to the library for such programs at one time or another, she said.

"It’s a nice way to introduce them to reading in the library and it lets them see it’s fun," she added. "If you need it, they have it."

Babysitter Kim Moritz brought Emma Saxby to play with others and find out what’s it’s like at the library.

You’re never too old to come to the library and learn and have fun, she said.

Mrs. Blankenship could not agree more.

In fact, that’s the point, she said.

Mommie and Me, summer reading programs, special events – Briggs uses them all to specifically show children, parents, grandparents and guardians with the benefits of libraries and the importance books have in life, Mrs. Blankenship said.

"So, this class is basically to get them used to coming to he library, being with other kids and being still," she said.

During their time, they find out going to the library is fun, not boring.

Then, they have a good time, like coming and get an introduction to printed word, Mrs. Blankenship said.

"The whole point is that they become interested in reading."