The Auburn Public Library launched a new program - the Family Literacy workshop - on Friday, Feb. 22.

Thanks to a grant from the Sandy River Foundation, toys, books and supplies have been purchased for the program, designed to introduce families to the library and what it has to offer.

The program can support up to 20 families during a five-week session; siblings up to 5 or 6 years old may attend.

"This is our very first workshop, and we're pretty excited to be offering it," said Deb Cleveland, assistant to Children's Services at the library. "It's a way we can give back to the community and support parents."

Resource professionals in child development, nutrition and movement will be speaking during the Family Place program in the Androscoggin room of the APL over the next four weeks on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

"It's a lot to try and get people to commit to five weeks, but it's really important if they can get into the habit. We're trying to get them into the habit of library use," Cleveland said.

Full commitment is encouraged - although if anyone who simply can't be present for all five weeks is interested in one or two of the scheduled topics, they are welcome to attend.

Near the designated art area, where age-appropriate crafts are laid out, sit two large bins filled with rice and toys to give toddlers a tactile outlet. Rice is used in place of traditional sand due to the ease of cleanup.

Cara Welker of Auburn and son Andrew, 23 months old, saw the program online and decided to check it out. Andrew was busy pushing a truck around in the rice while Welker sat nearby.

"Making eating nutritious … it's always a struggle to see what he's going be interested in eating," Welker said. "It'll be interesting to see any new ideas."

Welker said she was also interested in participating in "Mom's Morning Out."

There are puzzles and large blocks, a tunnel, scooters, a playhouse with different puppets and costumes, music and, of course, books for children and adults. A table with community resources is also on hand, and anyone without a library card can fill out registration forms all in one place.

Diana Sullivan of Auburn came with her daughter Hannah, 2. They played with the puppets and scooters.

"We're new to Auburn, and Deb told us about the program and how it introduces families to the library and the other programs and resources in the community. We thought it would be good for us," Sullivan said.

Sullivan, who stays at home with her daughter, said that it's nice to get out after the winter weather, which has kept them at home much of the time, and be with other parents and children.

"It's really about getting parents into the library and playing with their children," Cleveland said. "Play is really the first step to learning how to read."

Melanie, Charles and Anthony, almost 2, Ayer of Lewiston were excited to see what the workshop has to offer after they saw the announcement in the LA Forecaster.

"After this we'll probably go up and look around; we've never actually been to this library." Melanie said. "I'm just thrilled. I didn't really know what to expect, though I'm looking forward to the speakers."

Other programs offered as part of a Family Place library are "Mom's Morning Out," "Sprouts" and "Preschool Storytime."

The next five-week session will be offered in the fall. The current session still has openings; anyone interested can sign up until Feb 29. For more information, contact Deb in Children's Services at 333-6640 ext. 2004.