Library Spotlight:

13th Annual Storytime Train Ride 2007

On a hazy pleasant Wednesday, over 500 parents and children from 10 different libraries (Beverly, Boxford, Danvers, Gloucester, Hamilton-Wenham, Manchester, Marblehead, Rockport, Salem, and Swampscott) got on the MBTA at various stops and arrived in Rockport for the Annual Storytime Train Ride event. The smooth arrangement of the Train Ride was due to Nancy Bonne of Beverly.

Passengers were greeted by the Rockport Junior Friends under the able leadership of Jane Knight, Children's Librarian.

Junior Friends of Rockport

Jane Knight, Rockport

Josh Kennedy, Boxford

The Rockport folks led the crowd in an orderly but incredibly long line to Millbrook Meadow. Josh Kennedy of Boxford greeted all musically as he sat on a fence and strummed his guitar. The green grass and shaded areas welcomed all! Storytelling stations were marked with different colored balloons. In addition, the Tattoo Table was set up, managed by JoAnne Powell and Kim Barker of the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers.

JoAnne Powell and Kim Barker, Danvers

Storytellers Tony Toledo, Norah Dooley, and Karen Chace moved smoothly from one shady area to the other, engaging and entrancing listeners of all ages.

I captured Tony in an interactive moment in his telling of Millions of Cats: http://www.nmrls.org/youth/tony_storyteller.mov

Sarah Collins, Manchester, with two young assistants

The day was magical and huge thanks and kudos goes to Sarah Collins of Manchester who takes on the organization of this day every year with zeal and passion. Thanks also to all of the North Shore and beyond Children's Librarians whose enthusiastic promotion in their own communities brings folks from all around to this small park every year.

Sue Nieves (Salem), Karen Nee (Marblehead), Beth Coughlin and Izzy Abrams (Swampscott), and Lorraine Der (Hamilton-Wenham)

Final celebration! Nancy Bonne, Jane Knight, Karen Nee, Suszanne Nieves

For more pictures, please visit the Summer Reading blog at http://www.nmrls.org/youth/summerreading/