Poughkeepsie Library Provides In-Person Youth Programs
Despite the recent surges of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, the Adriance Memorial Library has been able to continue to provide Youth Programs and Services — to the relief of children and parents alike.
When the library was slowed to a stop by the first wave of Coronavirus in March 2020, parents who had come to rely on the library’s entertainment and educational resources found themselves unable to provide the same creative and social outlet for their kids. But in only a couple of months, the library was back on its feet and able to offer these programs virtually. Two years later, the children’s programs are able to run fully in person. By limiting the programs to 12 participants and requiring masks at all times — or, alternatively, hosting them outside when appropriate — the library has been able to make these events COVID-safe while still being fun.
“It’s a social thing, to just be around other kids,” says John Torres, Head of Youth Services for the Poughkeepsie Public Library District. “Even for the parents to be around other parents who have kids the same age, sharing their resources together, and at the same time having fun with the kids.”
Recurring programs like Toot & Scoot, Music & Movement, and Romp & Read are popular for more than just their charming alliteration. By combining storytelling with other fun activities like dancing, these programs encourage both physical and mental growth. Communal in nature, these programs also especially encourage social development, which is especially important for kids who were born into a socially distanced world.
“I think they pick it up easy,” says Torres of pandemic babies’ social skills. “Especially when kids are gathered together to listen to a story or play together or paint together. They’re socializing just by doing that, and it’s normal to them.”
The library provides critical resources for all age groups. From bilingual technical assistance and anti-internet scam education for seniors, to graphic novel book clubs and fiction writing workshops for preteens, the wide range of programs that the library runs are important sources of enrichment regardless of one’s demographic. And, like so few things these days, it’s all free. Libraries are one of the last few available sources of learning and entertainment that doesn’t ask anything of its patrons, which is especially important for a city with a poverty rate of nearly 20%.
“We had a magic show the other summer,” Torres recalls fondly. “And the grandmother said to me, ‘thank you for doing this because I have seven grandkids and I can’t afford to buy tickets to see the show. Now we can see it for free.’ It gives them experiences they normally wouldn’t have.”
It seems the entire staff of the Adriance Memorial Library is dedicated to providing education and fun to the residents of Poughkeepsie. This June will mark Katherine Lamoree’s 32nd year of being a library assistant. Her colorful, handmade seasonal decorations adorn the walls and shelves — pink and red Valentine’s Day hearts hang from the ceiling while paper snowflakes settle around the teen magazines. Her work helps the children’s floor feel warm and welcoming despite its socially distanced seating arrangement and mask requirement.
“Now more and more, the library is a community center — it’s to fill the needs of the community. So people can take all the courses they want,” she says. “We offer everything here. The common thread is that it’s free.”
Lamoree is then politely interrupted by a little girl with purple-pink hair holding two books in her small hands — a picture book biography of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, and an Avengers graphic novel.
Eleanor, 7, is a big fan of Thor, bath bombs, and the library. The 2nd grader and her parent were at the library for a special Valentine’s Day program called “Spa Projects You Can Make And Share,” where you can make your own bath bombs and self care products. It was Eleanor’s favorite event so far.
“I was very glad to put the things in the mold,” she said. “It was really fun.”
Events like those coordinated by Youth Services is exactly the reason the Adriance Memorial Library is so beloved by the community. With continued support, the library can continue to give kids like Eleanor the opportunities for growth and exploration that they deserve.
