Reading resources for children, teens
By Angie Landsverk
The Waupaca Area Public Library has found a way to continue getting books into the hands of its younger patrons.
The Children’s Department staff is stocking Little Free Libraries in Waupaca with paperback books for children of all ages.
“Young people will continue to have access to books,” said Sue Abrahamson, the library’s youth librarian.
The project is the result of feedback staff heard from families.
“Families are not used to distance learning,” she said. “Some are struggling with it.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Children’s Department continues to communicate with families.
The department was looking at how it could support families during the state’s Safer at Home Order.
Abrahamson said the Children’s Department staff gets together daily for virtual meetings.
Staff members suggested eBooks as a way for children to keep reading.
However, some parents said they wanted ideas that did not involve screen time.
“They’re looking for books, but we can’t give them now,” she said.
The staff brainstormed and came up with the idea to put paperback books in Little Free Libraries and also add new books on the Story Walks.
Foundation money typically used to purchase prizes for the library’s summer reading program was used to buy the books.
They ordered the books last week, and they arrived this week.
Librarians from Waupaca schools provided recommendations.
Abrahamson said they pictures books, beginning readers, chapter books, graphic novels and books for middle and high school students.
“This is collaboration at its best,” she said. “We feel good about having all the partners in place.”
On Wednesday, April 8, staff members picked up boxes of the books from Abrahamson’s garage and started distributing them to Little Free Libraries.
Area Little Free Library locations include the Waupaca Learning Center, Trinity Lutheran Church, South Park (in front of the Hutchinson House), Swan Park, Waupaca Historical Society, Rotary Riverview Park, the corner of North and Franklin streets, State Street near the foundry’s Plant 1, Highland Drive, Bethany Home, Virginia Drive (near the Red Mill), Rural Historical Society, Cleghorn Road and north side of West Fulton Street.
During the pandemic, people are asked to not visit Little Free Libraries if someone in their home is sick.
Those who do should wash their hands before and after using a Little Free Library.
They should also consider bringing a paper bag and quarantining their items for 24 hours before use.
“It’s a perfect example of social distancing,” Abrahamson said. “Leave a book. Take a book.”
Library Director Peg Burington said Hawaiian author Patricia Wood is also donating 10 copies of her novel “Lottery” to distribute in Little Free Libraries.
“She said the people who are Safer at Home in Waupaca would enjoy reading her uplifting story,” Burington said.
Wood participated in Waupaca’s book festival a number of years ago.
Abrahamson said there are also resources on the library’s website for parents of preschoolers interested in continuing the Babygarten program.
They may visit waupacalibrary.org/post/04-02-2020/babygarten-home-resources to access them.
Hiking on trails is encouraged during this time, and Waupaca’s Story Walks are being updated as well.
“I’ve got staff working on getting four new stories out on the four Story Walks,” Abrahamson said.
There are Story Walks at Swan Park, Sunny Day/River Ridge Trail, Riverside Park/Waupaca Learning Center and the Chain Exploration Center.
The stories needed to get laminated at Office Outfitters.
Her goal was to have them on the trails by the weekend.
In addition, Burington is helping Abrahamson find contacts at the trailer park and local laundromats.
“I hope to contact them in the next day or two to see if they have a place where we might be able to share resources of books, puzzles, games, etc.,” Abrahamson said.
They are also working with apartment complex owners to see if they have dry shared spaces.