Lillian’s Library for Little Ones
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis once said, “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is best of all.”
The late Lillian Henderson obviously agreed with that sentiment. Henderson, a longtime library volunteer, delighted in introducing children to the joys of reading.
According to Frank Henderson, her husband of 55 years and former mayor of Post Falls, she was always a lover of books and liked reading various genres.
“We raised five children. Lillian thought it was important for our kids to become familiar with books from an early age, so reading aloud to them became a priority and a part of their daily ritual,” Frank Henderson said.
After her death in 2005, the Henderson family set up a fund in her honor that helps provide books for young children and encourages them to read.
In conjunction with the Post Falls Library, which manages the fund and makes all decisions about the use of the money, Lillian’s Library for Little Ones offers special collections of themed books and materials.
Each collection includes 10 picture books, 10 board books, felt story boards, music and other literacy aids for preschool children. Particular emphasis is placed on toddlers attending child care.
Roger Radermacher, a Friends of the Library member, built a toddler-height board-book display for Lillian’s Library for Little Ones.
Four collections are available: Dinosaurs, Farm Fun, Dog Days and Mice Space.
Lucy Barnard, children’s librarian at the Post Falls Library, says other collections will be added soon.
The collections are being distributed to child-care centers on a rotating basis.
Barnard mailed letters to area child-care centers telling providers about the opportunity Lillian’s Library for Little Ones offers – especially for smaller, in-home child-care facilities. She says she was pleased with the response.
Terri Menti , a former Lakeland first-grade teacher who operates a child-care facility in her home, was one who responded.
Menti, who has 11 preschoolers under her care, including her 3-year-old twins, Taylor and Tanner, said, “It is like having the library come to you. It’s wonderful. I do read to the children everyday, but when someone else comes in to read, it presents a whole different experience.
“It’s so important for kids to be exposed to books and letters and words before they start school. Lillian’s Library for Little Ones is a perfect outreach for all of us who work with preschool kids.”
Barnard is the only librarian delivering the books to child-care centers, but she said other librarians will soon join in.
The youngsters sit attentively as Barnard educates and entertains, using finger puppets, reading and placing felt characters on the story board. She always includes a song relating to one of the stories.
At Menti’s home, Barnard read the book, “Barnyard Dance” by Sandra Boynton, and instructed the children to stand and follow her movements as she recited, “Bow to the house, bow to the cow and twirl with the pig if you know how.”