FAYETTE — “Lady Elaine” Wilcox, head librarian at the Underwood Memorial Library, began her 20th year of hosting the library’s summer story time program last Thursday morning.

“This is a big year, we hope to get a good crowd,” Wilcox said before the first session began.

Every Thursday from now through Aug. 20, children may come to the library at 10 a.m. to hear books read aloud, make a craft related to one of those stories, enjoy a light snack and enter for a door prize or book drawing.

Several door prizes and books are given away each week. Wilcox has a tote full of coloring and activity books, crayons, paints and similar items. She also has stacks of books that will be given away before the program’s end.

Wilcox said she purchases most of the give aways herself at stores such as Mardens and Family Dollar. She does use library funds to purchase supplies to help emphasize the program’s annual theme.

This year’s theme is, “Every Hero Has a Story.” Heroes of history were selected for the first week. “Lady Elaine” first read Johnny Appleseed, written and illustrated by Steven Kellogg, to the fourteen young people present.  She then read Pocahontas ~ The Voice of the Wind, a Disney book written by Justine Korman and illustrated by Peter Emslie and Don Williams. 

The young people then used construction paper, feathers, and stickers to create their own feathered Native American headband. Assistant librarian Michele Briggs and older youth helpers Sylvie and Charlie Feagin, Andrea Harmon, and Gracie Bowen helped staple the bands together and affix the feathers and stickers.

Before the door prizes and book winners were announced, everyone enjoyed a snack of popcorn, cookies, and fruit juice.

Next week, children will learn about animal heroes and make a horse paper-bag puppet. They will also have stories about policemen, firemen, teachers and nurses read to them and work on a related craft project. Superheroes will also be covered.

On August 20, the children will come dressed in costume. They will march to the school for pizza, games, and crafts. Wilcox said that Senator Tom Saviello often joins the children for their parade.

Children attended from Fayette and other nearby towns. Others came from China, Whitefield, and Leeds. Many staying  in nearby summer camps often participate. Wilcox said she has had people from as far away as Alaska take part. She is currently putting together scrapbooks detailing the many years she has run the summer story time.

Wilcox said anywhere from 18 to 30 children have attended in prior years. “I had many parents of the children here today participate when they were young,” she added.

Underwood Memorial Library is located at 2006 Main St. in Fayette. It is open Tuesday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; Wednesday, 4-7 p.m.; and Thursday, 1-4 p.m. For the next six weeks, it will also be open for story time Thursday mornings at 10 a.m.

For more information, call 207-685-3778.

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