Anonymous Donation Allows for Kid-Friendly Desk
Since moving to the new building, the Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library has taken steps to make the children’s department a welcoming place for young readers.
Through an anonymous donation, the library was able to purchase a Children’s Information Desk and install it closer to the children’s books than the previous one. The new desk features low counters and lit edging: all things that make it more approachable and fun for kids, whom have already told the librarians how much they like it.
The previous children’s desk was more out-of-the-way, librarians said, and moving to the new location nearer the middle of the library has made it much easier to spot.
Last summer, the blank department walls were spruced up with colorful images, such as an octopus, treasure chest, ship, and volcano. All were painted by AP art students from the Marshfield High School, who spent their summer working on the project.
“It really brightens up the area and it speaks to what a library is for the community: you’re going to find all sorts of treasure there,” said Library Director Lori Belongia in an interview with MCTV.
But the library’s efforts go beyond the visual, offering kid-friendly programs like Lego nights, free movie showings, and events like Trick-or-Treating and Holidays Around the World.
Adults aren’t left out of the program, either. Sign up for the annual adult winter reading program, which runs until March 3. Take advantage of staying indoors during winter and read books for a chance to enter for prizes donated from community businesses.
“The idea is just to keep your brain stimulated over the winter. We have a bingo card and people are encouraged to read different genres,” said Belongia.
Upcoming and recurring events offered include the ERMPL book club, which meets monthly, adult craft night, Caring Conversations, Tuesday nights at the library, coding, creative writing, and technology classes which cover the basics of computers, email, and iPads. Sign-up is usually required.
For a full update on what’s happening at the library, watch the video below.
