I wrote about some of the activities at the Bellefonte branch of the Centre County Library and Historical Museum two weeks ago. I didn’t have room in that column to include one very valuable program at the library directed toward some very young readers.
At 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, and 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Miss Katie holds Preschool Story Times. There is a 9:30 a.m. time for Book Babies on Wednesdays.
Miss Katie is Katie Nicholson, who joined the library staff in August. Nicholson is a graduate of Shippensburg University and received her master’s degree in library science from the University of Pittsburgh. She worked at the Chester County Library in Exton for five years before coming to the Bellefonte area.
To the parents, grandparents or baby-sitters who bring these little children in for story time — you are doing a wonderful thing. It is a proven fact that children who are introduced to books early in life do better in school.
A love of reading is a valuable gift to give a child. As they see their parents and others checking out books, they will want to imitate and walk out with their carefully chosen selections. When Nicholson announced story time on one recent day, the children quickly plopped down in a circle on the carpet. Their eyes were glued to the colorful pages as the story unfolded.
Making the children’s space larger, brighter and more appealing — filled with stuffed animals, books and music — is one of several improvements made recently at the various Centre County Library branches. The staff of the Bellefonte library are particularly proud of a new room, behind the children’s space, which is large and equipped to handle technology classes, staff trainings or family programs. Near the front of the room, by the windows, are comfortable seating areas that beckon you to sit awhile, read or leaf through one of the magazines.
10 percent donation night
The library will benefit from a Fundraiser Night at the Texas Roadhouse from 4 to 10 p.m. Jan. 31. Every guest who dines at the restaurant during that time on that day with an invitation (available at the library) will be supporting the cause. The restaurant is giving 10 percent of your check to the fundraiser. The restaurant is located at 1885 Waddle Road in Patton Township. Call ahead at 235-7427.
Connie Cousins writes a weekly column on happenings in the Bellefonte area. Send her news at ccous67@gmail.com.
