Published January 13. 2023 11:55AM
by LORI R. COOPER TNEDITOR@tnonline.com
Penn Kidder Library in Albrightsville recently held a special sleepover.
Children brought their favorite stuffed animal to leave at the library for an overnight stay. As the stuffed animals played throughout the night, pictures were taken to share with the kids. Families could check social media to see what their favorite friends were doing all night.
The animals enjoyed Capri Sun and snacking on devil dogs and pop tarts. The critters even helped with a library community art project.
Kara Edmonds, library director, said a former staff member came up with the idea.
“Kids love the idea of animals coming to life,” Edmonds said. “They get to flex their imagination and write their own stories.”
Books such as “Paddington Bear” and “The Velveteen Rabbit” use this idea, as well as the beloved movie “Toy Story.” Edmonds wants children to “think of the library as a fun place to be and build a lifetime connection.”
After a nap, the stuffed animals got into a bit of mischief using the copier to make prints of their bodies. The critters were excited about telling their pals about the fun night they had.
Penn Kidder Library has a few other exciting things happening. It will be offering four hot spots that will be available for “check out.”
This will allow those without internet access to “borrow” Wi-Fi for up to a week, with renewal available for an additional week. Library patrons can go to the library to “sign out” the hot spot.
Also new for the library, museum passes will be available to “check out.”
Free passes to the American Wheels Museum, Bucks County Children’s Museum (New Hope), the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum and Pearl S. Buck House (Perkasie) and Reading Museum will be available.
There is a maximum of four passes per patron.
The hot spots and museum passes should be available beginning Jan. 15 and are available at all Allentown Library District libraries.
Penn Kidder Library Director Kara Edmonds holds her twin boys, now 13, childhood bunny “Luke.” LORI R. COOPER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS