Daday: Arlington library revamps kids area, boosting circulation
At the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, the latest circulation numbers reflect a sharp increase by some of its most important constituents: kids.
For December, circulation was up 14 percent in Kids’ World, officials said, and that was across the board, including books, DVDs and CDs, as well as puzzles, games and even puppets.
Library administrators think they know why: the bright, new renovation of the Kids’ World department, including a destination point for its first-time patrons, fittingly called “I Can Read!”
It includes a giant magnet board with cards for matching games that promote literacy, as well as advanced workshop stations, or AWE computers, stocked with literacy programs geared for early readers.
“We’re one of the only libraries in the area to designate a specific area for 5- to 8-year-olds,” says Yvette Johnson, Kids’ World director. “But then, this library has a history of valuing its youngest patrons, going all the way back to story hour for parents and infants.”
At an open house Saturday to dedicate the renovated department, hundreds turned out to see and touch the innovations.
For starters, they noticed walls painted in primary colors and pint-size bookshelves standing less than four feet high, immediately making the department seem bright, airy and inviting.
Plenty of large, round tables remained from its former look, giving families a chance to sit down and pore over some of their reading choices.
“We’re trying to create a place that captivates children and helps to promote reading,” said Brian Shepard, assistant director of the library and project manager. “We hope that translates into a lifelong love of reading.”
Children, like 3-year-old Elizabeth Shiffman of Arlington Heights, gravitated toward the new 150-gallon aquarium with its assortment of freshwater fish, donated by Mariano’s Fresh Market in Arlington Heights, as well as the interactive wall panels donated by the Friends of the Library.
“They’ve made such good use of the space and added such wonderful attractions,” said her mother, Debbie. “We’ll definitely be coming here more often.”
Emily Byrne, 3, of Hoffman Estates and her 6-year-old triplet sisters headed to the magnetic board in the “I Can Read!” room.
“I feel like this is a sanctuary just for them,” said their mother, Terri, “to develop their love of reading.”
The room is tucked back in the corner, adjacent to shelves of early reader books and separated from the preschool area. Besides its workstations, there are oversized cushions for youngsters to sprawl out and enjoy a good book.
“We’re trying to create a destination where (5- to 8-year-olds) can go when they come to the library,” says Lindsay Huth, early learning specialist. “We want them to take ownership of the area.”
Bordering the magnetic board are individual photos of first-graders holding a book, beaming with pride. Youngsters can sign up for individual 15-minute sessions with a librarian when they can read aloud from their favorite book and have their photo taken afterward to be displayed in the department.
The reading sessions are restricted to first-graders — for the sake of numbers — and take place from 6:30-7:15 p.m. every other Monday and Tuesday. Call the library to register at (847) 392-0100.
“We’re trying to create a special place,” Johnson says, “that celebrates that ‘aha’ moment when children first learn to read.”