Thank you to reader Emily Classon for submitting this article! If you would like to submit a paid article or review, please email barbarae@macaronikid.com for advance approval and guidelines.
Our public libraries are true community treasures! Who wouldn't want to visit a place that has free entertainment including concerts and magicians? Librarians are so nice that they even let you take home books, movies, music, and more for FREE! You can run in to pick up a book or spend the day working on homework, using the computer, and connecting with members of your community all in one convenient location--your public library.
If you have a library card in MVLC, you can use it any of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium libraries (MVLC); as a Massachusetts resident, you can also get a free e-card from the Boston Public Library to access additional electronic resources.
As a librarian, I may be a little biased, but I believe everyone should see what our area libraries have to offer. My daughter and I are touring the children's rooms in area libraries to bring you a snapshot of what you can discover.
Let's check out Westford's J.V. Fletcher Library.
The children's room is a fun and welcoming space that makes it easy for children to enjoy visiting the library. The inviting under-the-sea theme includes large hanging jellyfish, sea urchins, and starfish to admire. The story time room continues the theme with sea creature art and furniture.
Image courtesy Emily Classon
When you first walk in, you’re greeted by the friendly librarians. To the right of the desk, you’ll find the picture book area filled with fun toys. I love how the low bookcases are arranged like an enclosed room to help keep young readers in eyesight. The area includes train and block tables, stuffed animals and puppets, a puppet theater, puzzles, and more. Favorite picture book authors are easy to find in blue bins on top of the bookcases. To the left of the librarian’s desk, you’ll find early readers, biographies, chapter books, fiction, and nonfiction books.
Image courtesy of Emily Classon
Programs
The library offers a wide variety of programs for all ages and specializes in amazing book groups (that fill up very quickly!). There’s so much going on at the library ranging from LEGO® Club and STEM programs to storytellers and puppet shows.
You can now register online for many programs. Program attendance is limited to Westford residents or members of the Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library, Inc., but non-residents may be able to fill openings after the first week of registrations. Some events require tickets, which can be purchased in the Children’s Department. Some of the staff's favorite programs are the librarian-created events such as the Minion-themed summer reading program, Harry Potter's birthday celebration, and a vet clinic for toys, with help from the Lowell Humane Society.
Image courtesy J.V. Fletcher Library
Book clubs are big at the library for Kindergarten through teens. Nancy Boutet, Head of Youth Services, says, “It's like birthday parties for books!” The celebration of reading often includes a snack and crafts related to the book. Families can share the discussion together with parent-child book discussions for grades 3-4 and 5-6.
Story Times are very popular too. Develop an early love of reading with baby story times and sessions for toddlers and preschoolers. Evening pajama story times are offered for ages 3-7 too.
Library Cards
Westford children can get their own library card when parents feel they are ready. A child's card carries the same privacy rights as an adult card. Anyone with an MVLC library card can borrow materials from the J.V. Fletcher Library.
Don't miss:
- There is a display case for children to exhibit their collections for two weeks.
- Stop by to visit the adorable gerbils R-2 and D-2!
- The Children's Room has a convenient restroom in the back corner near the story time room.
- Families will find many manuals and resources for Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in the collection.
- Check out the fun displays and character cut-outs perfect for photo opps!
Images courtesy Emily Classon
Technology
Refreshingly, the only computers in the children's room are for the online catalog. Kids get to play with toys, find books, and interact with each other instead of playing on the computer.
The children’s room has a great collection of Launchpads, tablets with preloaded educational apps (without Internet access) by age group from preschool to teen. Check out the Playaway View for an all-in-one video player that is preloaded with characters, shows, and subjects that kids love. Near the circulation desk, you'll find the audio books and Playaways, which are preloaded audio book players.
Library cardholders can access TumbleBookLibrary for talking picture books including early readers, chapter books, classics, graphic novels, nonfiction, and more.
Teens
Teens will enjoy book groups, STEAM programs, make-and-take projects, and more. A staff favorite was the Design It competition in which teens created sculptures out of random stuff laid out on a huge tablecloth. Programs are a great way to be creative and to socialize. The library has started to offer ukulele programs too!
Image courtesy Emily Classon
Our Picks
My daughter loves the large train table and LEGO® table in the Children's room. She's a big fan of sea creatures so the decor and large stuffed dolphin, sea tortoise, and shark at fun to play with too.
Image courtesy Emily Classon
I love the welcoming feel of the room and the staff as well as the enriching programs offered. I also appreciate the way the series chapter books are shelved. It helps us both find favorite series when we can see the picture of the characters. The library has a fantastic collection!
Image courtesy Emily Classon
Librarian Fun Facts
If the librarians could visit any book...
Nancy Boutet, Head of Youth Services, picked Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone because she “loves the whole Potterverse and would like to meet Harry and friends when they were young.” Nancy was a technical writer for 20 years before becoming a librarian. She thinks that being a librarian is the best job!
Kira McGann, Young Adult Librarian, picked Mr. Lemoncello's Library so she could be in one of the competitions. Kira has also been a baker, musician, and caterer!
J.V. Fletcher Library
50 Main St
Westford MA 01886
(978) 692-5555
Website: www.westfordlibrary.org
Museum Passes are available to Westford residents and members of the Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library Inc.
Databases are accessible online with a J.V. Fletcher library card number
Look for Emily's article on the Tewksbury Public Library Children's Room next!
