Abigail Walzer spent her first three weeks at her new job as a children’s librarian at the Bedford Free Public Library meeting kids and their parents as well as learning about the library and the children’s room collection.
Abigail has a lot of programs planned for her new young friends at the library. Some fun tales for story times will include her alter ego, Miss Calico – a cute black and white stuffed kitten who only wants to read books about cats, although Abigail insists that they will read books about other animals as well. Miss Calico may have other opinions, too.
Another character that will be a frequent visitor at children’s story times is Miss Owl. On her first visit (from 4:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 25), Miss Owl will teach kids through stories, songs, and movements how to be the best owls they can be. Since Abigail enjoys the theatrics of story time programming, there will be a lot more fun planned, as well.
Abigail also has experience with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs and likes to incorporate them into her story times. For example, one of the upcoming programs will use marshmallows, gum drops, and toothpicks. She is looking forward to seeing all the structures the children will create.
As a child, Abigail loved going to the library. She missed it when she was in middle school and didn’t have access to one. That all changed in high school when she once again found herself immersed in many good books at the library. That reading enthusiasm became the inspiration for her vocation.
“I have wanted to be a children’s librarian for always,” she said, mentioning her interest in children’s books and materials.
Some of her favorite children’s books were written and illustrated by Jan Brett, a South Shore native. Some titles include “The Mitten,” “The Hat,” and “Gingerbread Baby.”
She also enjoys books written by Mac Barnett with illustrations by Jon Klassen, who work together to create entertaining stories. One of her favorites is “Sam and Dave Dig a Hole.” In this book, two young boys wearing boots (and their dog) begin digging a hole in search of “something spectacular” and won’t stop until they find it.
Another one of her favorite creators of children’s books is Mo Willems. Among his many books is the great favorite “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.”
Abigail also recommends “Harold and Hog Pretend for Real!” which was written by Dan Santat as part of the “Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!” series (created and coedited by Mo Willems). Harold is bold and exciting while Hog is shy.
For her personal reading pleasure, Abigail likes fantasy and science fiction books as well as graphic novels.
Abigail is glad to be in Bedford which she feels is a nice community and looks forward to creating programs where she and the children will enjoy all kinds of fun together. Abigail has also presented programs for older people, so perhaps she will entertain adults as well.
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