Friends of Libby Library member Chris Carmon talks to students at Jameson Elementary School on Tuesday morning. LIZ GOTTHELF/Journal Tribune
OLD ORCHARD BEACH — September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and the Edith Belle Libby Library in Old Orchard Beach is doing its part to promote library patronage.
Representatives of the Friends of Libby Library, a volunteer group that advocates for the Edith Belle Libby Library, located at 27 Staples St. and promotes reading, made a special trip to Jameson Elementary School on Tuesday morning.
They didn’t come empty handed. They had with them 50 colorful book bags, all handmade by Friends of Libby Library members, that they were giving to first graders at the school.
Friends of Libby Library member Chris Carmon presented the bags to the students at a short classroom presentation. Inside the bags, she said, were six books and an application for a library card.
“We hope you enjoy the books, ” said Carmon to the children, who cheered enthusiastically.
“Can we keep them forever?” asked one student, and Carmon assured students the bags and books were theirs to keep.
Carmon talked about the Libby Library, and encouraged them to visit. She told the students that if they went to the library to get a card, a librarian would help them make a special button.
“The bags are beautiful. I love when kids excited about books,” said Principal Mike Flaherty.
The Friends of Libby Library also donated books to the school’s library.
This is the second year the Friends of Libby Library has donated book bags of books to the school. Carmon, along with fellow members Kathi Asquith and Eleanor Dow, said the books were purchased at a Scholastic book sale, and the fabric was donated by Mardens. They said not only do they like reading and promoting literacy, but they also enjoy sewing and had fun picking out the fabric and making the bags.
Friends of Libby Library also runs “The Book Shed,” a seasonal used book store behind the library and helps raise money for special programs and projects at the library.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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