Uniontown Public Library opens children’s reading corner
Eight small children sit in very small chairs in the new reading corner at the Uniontown Public Library, where children’s librarian Imelda McKercher is hosting a recent storytime for preschoolers. McKercher uses colorful magnetic letters on a chalkboard to spell out today’s theme: “Pop!’
“Can you think of anything that pops?’ McKercher asks the children.
“Bubbles,’ answers a little boy. “If you put a stick in them, they pop.’
McKercher gives approval, then asks, “Is there anything you eat that pops?’
When there’s no answer, she prompts the children “What about something white and fluffy that we eat at the movies?’
“Popcorn,’ calls out a little girl.
Then, politely asking permission so as not to startle anyone, Mc-Kercher makes certain the children are prepared to hear a pop before she blows air into a small plastic sandwich bag and smashes it with her hand.
The children laugh and are thrilled when they make their own popping sounds as McKercher passes around bubblewrap: Pop, pop, pop.
McKercher teaches the children to sing “Pop Goes the Weasel’ and then launches into a reading of a story called “Wake Up, Big Barn” by Suzanne Chitwood that uses cut paper for its illustrations, which include popcorn. McKercher will later have the children make their own popcorn from torn paper.
Storytime has long been a tradition at the Uniontown Public Library, but it recently became better with the addition of this new reading corner, located in the children’s library. Complete with a glider, reading lamp, curtains and a colorful rug that features children’s faces, the reading corner gives the area a homey, more comfortable appearance.
Not only does the site accommodate the library’s storytime for children, it provides families with a place to share: Parents and grandparents can read to children, but so can big brothers and sisters.
McKercher called the reading corner her “notion” and said librarian Christy Fusco turned it into an idea. But both women credit Bettie O’Neil of Elliottsville with making this reading corner possible.
O’Neil arranged for financing of the project through memorial gifts made in honor of her stepfather, the late Charles E. Ballard, who died May 27 at age 95. “I think it’s absolutely wonderful,” said O’Neil. “It’s a delightful spot for mothers to read to young children. You can’t start too young. I had no idea it would turn out so nice.’
O’Neil spoke with Fusco last summer about what to do with memorials that had come into the library on behalf of her stepfather. The memorials funded the framing of two old maps for the Pennsylvania Room, but then Fusco suggested the creation of a family reading corner in the children’s library. The idea appealed to O’Neil.
“I got to thinking about Charles and his life. Charles was a gentleman and a gentle man. He loved children,” she said.
The library installed the reading corner in late August/early September. The staff chose a spot near the middle of the library, against the inside wall and between two computers which provide a catalogue of the library’s collection.
The main piece is a glider with soft-blue cushions where readers can make use of a soft light provided by a tall lamp with a shade. These pieces sit on a colorful rug called “Happy Faces” that features children’s faces. Each side of the glider has a wooden display shelf with suggested books for reading. The windows behind the area are framed with curtains and a tapestry that features books.
The library recently installed a cast bronze plaque in the area that reads, “Charles E. Ballard for Diana 2002.’
O’Neil explained that Diana was Ballard’s daughter, who died at age 3. A widower, Ballard married O’Neil’s mother, Dorothy, a widow, when they were 82. Mrs. Ballard survives her husband.
O’Neil has been happy to provide a gift for Uniontown Public Library. “I love that library,’ she said. “It’s a nice, very nice library. It’s well-managed, and they have great people there,’ she said.
Likewise, Fusco said the library is touched by O’Neil’s gift and other memorial donations that are received each year.
“Our community is so supportive with memorials. It makes such a difference in what we can offer the public,’ said Fusco.
The people who use the library are also pleased with the new reading corner.
While their children participated in the preschool storytime, several mothers kept a watchful eye and gave their approval to the project.
“The reading corner’s nice because it makes storytime more comfortable and relaxed,’ said Melinda Quarrick of Smithfield, whose 5-year-old twins, Alec and Grant, participate in storytime, while her 2-year-old, Nathan, waits until he’s old enough.
Andria Miller of Uniontown watches her 4-year-old son, Joshua, enjoy storytime, while Joyce Deems of Uniontown brings her 4-year-old niece, Arianna Haky. Like Quarrick, they are both fans of the reading corner and the program.
“They look forward to this every week,’ said Deems. “Miss Imelda is wonderful with them.’
“I think the area over there (the new reading corner) is more homey,’ said Miller.
The reading corner is open whenever it is not used by storytime, which is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays for 3- to 5-year-olds. Anyone interested should call the library for more information. A new session will start in January. The library also holds an open story hour, “Stop By StoryTime,” Saturdays at 11 a.m. that includes older children.
The children’s library offers crafts for children two days a month. The next session will be on making wrapping paper and will be held Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Monday from 1 to 7 p.m.
Also, Friends of the Uniontown Public Library has announced that people can purchase personalized children’s books from R.W.R. Innovations, a fund-raising project that will benefit the friends. Books can be purchased through the Web site www.rwrinnovations.com. For every purchase, $2.50 will be given to the friends. The fund-raiser will be operated through Sunday and deliveries are promised by Christmas. Sample books are available at the library.
Uniontown Public Library is located at 24 Jefferson St. Hours of operation are Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call the library at 724-437-1165.