Base library boasts children's reading programs

  • Published
  • By Gina Randall
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The base library holds story time sessions every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Currently run by a volunteer, story time offers children the chance to have fun with books and the stories they contain, then expands that fun with a craft project tied to the story theme.

Juvenile library programs focus on preschool children living in either base housing or in close proximity to base so children and their parents can mingle. Many parents of preschoolers take advantage of the weekly story/craft time because they can enjoy the camaraderie of the "Coffee Klatch" - social time with coffee, tea and cookies.

"I volunteered to run story time after it looked like the program was going to end because of staff cuts. My daughters loved getting to come and so did a lot of other kids," said Jillian Mealy from Toledo, Ohio. "It's a great program and was really worth keeping. Preschoolers get a chance to come and see books, play, sing and do a different craft every week."

"It is amazing to see those proud smiles after the kids finish up their craft," said the wife of Master Sgt. Justin Mealy, 488th Intelligence Squadron acting first sergeant from Corona, Calif.

One of the library's big yearly events is the summer reading program -- open to everyone with a base pass during the summer break from June 19 to August 14. The program supports good reading habits during the summer vacation and is an incentive program. Children keep track of their reading on a log, which they bring to the library for prizes.

"This year's theme is 'Have Book, Will Travel,' said Sharon Amann, 100th Force Support Squadron Library director from San Antonio, Texas. "Check out June's 100th FSS 'Get Up and Go' magazine to see the many travel-focused events the library will hold throughout the summer. At each event the kids will journey to a new place - Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Africa. Our finale will be a luau."

Other library programs take place to mark holidays, heritage months and unique special days, such as Mother's and Father's Day.

"We often set up a 'Make and Take' craft table ahead of time, with a sample craft, directions and materials," Amann explained. "Families can then come in and do the project on their own or take the materials home to make. This approach helps us cope with our staffing constraints."

The library setup a "Not so Scary" haunted library in October. Santa arrives in December at the library a few days early to read to children, take a photo and give out some Christmas gifts.

When asked of her goals for the library, Amann stressed customer service.

"I want users to enjoy their visits to the library, and to see it as a place to enjoy the variety of materials while escaping the stress of the office."

The library is a place parents can bring their children, allowing them to learn and have fun.