New Children's Librarian Has Programs In Store

WINSTED — After a two-month vacancy in the children's department, the Beardsley & Memorial Library has announced the addition of a new children's librarian.

Karin Taylor of Barkhamsted joined the library last month, after former children's librarian Wayne Ellsworth retired from the library after five years of service.

Educated in the field of fine arts, Taylor completed some graduate work in the area of children's literature and literacy and has an extensive work background in preschool and youth education.

Prior to moving to Connecticut five years ago, she worked in Florida as a preschool and school readiness teacher, program coordinator and director for nearly 10 years.

"Karin has a lot of energy and a lot of knowledge about technology," said Library Director Linda Senkus.

While Taylor said she is still working to get the children's programming back on track after the position vacancy, she is beginning to plan for future programs she would like to introduce to the library and community.

"I am trying to set up some ongoing programs for the children and young adults in the community," she said.

Aside from the almost daily story time sessions geared toward pre-school and kindergarten children, there are few age-specific programs currently offered by the library, especially for the young adult group.

Day to day, Taylor has been keeping busy updating the children's library inventory of books and materials. But she is never too busy to help a patron.

"I am here to help parents and children find the books they are looking for and to make recommendations," said Taylor.

She has also been busy creating a Web page for children and young adults, coordinating with local school teachers for school assignments and cooperative programs, and preparing for upcoming events, such as the summer reading program.

"We want to make everyone in all three communities aware of the services we provide for families and teachers," said Taylor. "I am sending out letters to all the schools, as well as brochures to tell what we can do to support the school."

One idea Taylor would like to see implemented at the library is a teen advisory board. Looking to involve middle and high school children with what happens at the library, Taylor said the board would have input on materials available and programs offered and could get students involved as volunteers in the library.

"We want to get people back to the library," Taylor said. With the accessibility of information on the Internet, children and teens do not use the library as a source of information as they once did. Taylor, with the help of the schools, hopes to turn this around and bring children and families back to the library with new programs and events.

Taylor is available at the library most days and every other Saturday. For more information about the children's library, storytime, or any other programs, call 860-379-6043.