Library celebrates third birthday

Lakes Regional Public Library turned three recently and the celebration came complete with chocolate cake, games and free books.

The library threw itself a birthday bash that brought more than 60 kids out for a party that was chaotic but fun.

"I wanted to expose her to books and print as early as possible and these events are great for it," said Lisa Hanson, of south Fort Myers, who brought her daughter Heather, 2, to the library's celebration "Books are not really in vogue for kids anymore."

But the library is working to change that perception and show area kids some fun in the process.

"We do the party every year and try to incorporate stories, songs, and games to show kids that they can have fun here," said Chrissie Bishop, the children's librarian who helped organize the event's game stations. "We do our best to provide programs they'll enjoy."

The party, which focused on reading for enjoyment, began with Bishop reading two books and asking the children to participate. They also danced the Hokey Pokey just before singing Happy Birthday.

"They weren't quite sure how a library can have a birthday," said Suzanne Springer, of south Fort Myers, about the library being an inanimate object. Her children, Chloe, 4, and Owen, 2, couldn't wait to attend anyway. "We try to come once a week but they love special programs like these."

The mornings events also gave children time to socialize.

"She doesn't go to day care so this is a golden opportunity to spend with other kids," Hanson said. "I figure if she starts coming to the library young, she'll want to come when she is older."

That's exactly what Bishop wants parents to see.

"The kids are here for cake and the parents like the education of it," she said about the event in which every child was given a free book and bookmark." We try to make it as fun as possible to get patrons out more often."

Ranae Atkinson brought her daughter Hannah, 5, to the event because it keeps her busy during the summer.

"It's summer and I want her to do things that keep with her school schedule,"said Atkinson, of Fort Myers. "Anything we can do to interact with other kids is good."