It's Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Week! In fact, it's the fourth year for this event which is held annually the week before Thanksgiving. During this week, librarians across Kansas try to read to as many preschoolers as possible. Each year a book is selected for the reading. This year's theme is health, and the selected book is Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson.

Memorial Library is planning a fun-filled week using not only the Bear Feels Sick story, but some other titles on health issues geared to little ones. It's never too early to begin teaching about preventative measures when it comes to the spread of germs. When it is presented in a fun way, the lesson has a lasting impact.

The week will kick off on Monday with a special evening story time. Preschoolers ages three through kindergarten are invited to bring their favorite blanket and come to the library at 6:30 for a special story time revolving around Bear and his friends. That same story time will be repeated at the library on Thursday morning, November 20, at 9:15. Each session lasts about 45 minutes, during which time the children will also sing songs and do a simple craft. Please stop by the children's desk or phone the library to make a reservation for your child for either of these sessions.

During our story time events, little ones will also have the opportunity to have their picture taken beside our Bear Feels Sick stand-up figure. The bear is currently on display in our north alcove. Come on in and see what a cute character he is. Bear is actually the star of several books written by Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman. They include Bear Wants More, Bear Snores On, Bear Stays Up for Christmas, Bear's New Friend, and Bear Feels Scared. All are presented in a delightful, rhyming text.

Throughout the rest of the week, library staff will be presenting Bear Feels Sick throughout the city at daycares and preschools. If any provider has not contacted the library for a visit, please give us a call so we can get you on the schedule.

A little later this month, children in kindergarten through the fourth grade are invited to the library's After School Club. This will be the second monthly meeting of the group. This month will feature Geronimo Stilton. The date is Tuesday, November 25, from 4:00 to 5:15. This group meets the last Tuesday of each month during the school year and no reservation is necessary.

December plans are in the works which will include some activities while children are on Christmas break. The library has available at the circulation desk a monthly newsletter which includes information on all upcoming activities for children, teens, and adults.

If you've been in the children's library lately, you no doubt noticed a couple of things. First of all, new books literally cover the top of the easy shelving and spill over onto other available space. There are plenty of interesting new titles for your youngster to choose from in a variety of different topics. We also have a number of new titles in non-fiction, juvenile fiction, and books on compact disc. Please stop at the desk if you do not find what you are looking for.

The other thing you may have noticed is that the children's library now has two additional patron use computers, bringing the total to five. The card catalog computers for looking up books have been moved to their own location, thus ending the confusion on the part of some users as to which computers were for the internet and which were not.

A month or so ago, we got new signage. This should help patrons quickly locate the area they are seeking. It is very colorful and inviting. Staff members stand ready to assist any patron who has a question and are more than willing to give youngsters a quick tour of the children's library.

Just one more word about Kansas Reads to Preschoolers should be added. Reading to little ones is very important. It helps in their development of vocabulary, heightens their awareness of the sounds of letters, and teaches them about the world around them. Whether or not your child is able to take part in the activities at the library, consider using this week as a starting point to reading with your youngster, even as little as twenty minutes a day. It will make a big difference.and that's a promise. There's a wealth of reading material at the library, so come on down and check it out! See you at Memorial Library!