Local youth earn first library cards

Kathy Kronebusch, branch supervisor for the New Richland Public Library, had a small crowd of energetic youngsters in the library the morning of  Saturday, April 26. But any kids past the first grade were turned away at the door, seriously, because this was the Kindergarten Card Party. Kindergarteners were the guests of honor, here to receive their first library cards.

Kronebusch was monitoring the arrivals: “We had 20 people sign up in advance,” she said of the event, “but they can just walk in if they want.” A star-filled background offered a spot where children could pose for a photo. If they wanted, they could hold an oversized, novelty library card while smiling for the camera. Nearby were cutie oranges and chocolate or powdered-sugar donuts for those kids who needed a snack. Kindergartener Sawyer Root stood looking down at the donuts for almost a minute before he decided on powdered sugar.

Said Kronebusch, “Kindergartners are just learning to read because it’s the end of the school year. This is a reward to help them in their pursuits over the summer, to show what we can provide for them at the library now that they have all this extra time on their hands. They come in here today and we fill out an application for them. We design their brand-new library card however they want. The kids who came today also get a free book bag.”

A music video played on a screen at the back of the library, and before long a bubble machine began creating a festive mood. A rotating number of kids were on the dance floor. First there were four, then eight, then three–the bubbles kept them coming back. “We also have a scavenger hunt to help them explore.” Kronebusch explained those who joined the hunt would be asked to find various types of reading, including books on fairies, or informative books on whales, horses, or other topics. To help the little ones keep track of their cards, they were handed a New Richland Library lanyard.

Kronebusch wanted everyone to know all young readers are invited to take part in the library’s summer reading program. Anyone ages 3 to 18 can sign up and read to win prizes June 2 through July 31.