We hope you enjoy this feature article about one of our local Libraries. Now lets get to know the Ludlow Hubbard Memorial Librarian & find out about the Children's Department at the Library.
How long have you worked at the library?
I've been at the library here for almost 21 years (as of June 12th), can hardly believe it.
What do you love most about your job?
What do I love about my job? Jeez, what don't I love? I really have the best job in the whole world - and I'm saying that after 21 years! I guess if I'd have to say just one thing, I'd say I have the best "clients" of any profession! The little ones are so, so sweet, the older ones are interesting and funny, they're just all great. I love my patrons!
Do you have any special programs coming up that families should be aware of?
We offer a lot of programs, every month, year round - story times, preschool singing groups, Lego clubs, Pokemon clubs, anime clubs, teen gaming clubs, Coding workshops, Makerspace programs, crafts, parties, art nights, entertainers, movies, scavenger hunts, read-a-thons, you name it. We even did a Hamilton Karaoke night a couple of months ago, which was just about the most fun thing ever! Tuesday and Thursday nights are our late nights, closing at 8pm, so we try to make sure there are programs for families on those nights when we can, for everyone who works during the day. We also have a volunteer program for middle and high school kids, which is very popular in town. Young adult volunteers work 1 hour a week shelving books, helping with programs, and keeping the Children's Department neat and organized. It's not a big time commitment, but it teaches the kids library skills, and they get a taste at their first "real job," which is very exciting for them! Plus it counts as community service for older teens who need to do a community service requirement for NHS, Scouting, CCD, or etc.
What programs are available for families at the Library?
Right now it's actually our quiet time, while we prepare for the summer reading program, which is a *very* busy time. We usually have 500-600 kids & teens participate in our summer reading programs. I'll attach our May newsletter, but the best place to look for our programs is the event page of our website. http://hubbardlibrary.org/calendar.html Many more things will be going up there for the summer months in the coming weeks.
What are the best features of the Children's room at the Library?
The Children's Department is on the 2nd floor of the building, not in the basement like so many seem to be, so it's nice & bright. We have lots of toys for kids to play with - Little People, a work bench, a puppet stage (and lots of puppets you can check out of the library!), puzzles, stuffies, etc. and also a STEM toy center. Plus we always have a drop-in craft out for kids to do, which changes weekly. And, of course, a hearty collection of books, audiobooks, graphic novels, manga, and etc. for all ages! I strive to have the best feature of the Children's Department be the customer service, though - everyone who comes upstairs will be greeted with a smile, we'll do our best to help everyone - or leave you alone if that's what you want - we will not judge, there are no stupid questions, no one will ever get talked about after they leave, privacy is sacred, everyone has an equal right to the goods and services of the library and will be treated equally, courteously, and kindly. We are committed to maintaining a safe space for all.
Do you have a favorite family friendly business?
Family friendly business...well, here in Ludlow I'd give a shout out to Randall's Farm, which does a wonderful Fall festival every year, and has generously supported various library programs for as long as I've been here. Their greenhouse sure is a great place to have lunch on cold winter days, too! And Lupa Zoo is a hidden gem, so much fun for families, and also very good to the library - they bring a host of animals to the library for a meet and greet at the beginning of every summer, free of charge! Out of Ludlow, I've got 2 favorites: Cup & Top in Florence, which has a great play space for preschoolers & a kid-friendly & allergy-friendly menu - and *excellent* coffee options for the tired parents! Modern Myths in Northampton is THE hot spot for Pokemon-obsessed elementary school kids right now, plus the staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and new comics and graphic novels for kids come out every week.
Written by: July Siebecker
