THIBODAUX, La. — Over the summer, Little Colonels visiting the Ellender Memorial Library were able to be Baby Shark, meet Lady Liberty and celebrate Christmas in July.
Nicholls Librarians prepared events to match three of the Little Colonel Academy’s themed weeks: Ocean, America and Christmas.
Library Director Elizabeth Batte, Research and Instruction Librarian and Outreach Coordinator Dr. Robert Stephens and Cataloging Librarian Brandy Burbante sang, planned activities such as coloring and read to the Little Colonels.
“As Library Director it is important to me that the library be an active member of the campus community,” said Batte. “That includes creating programs like this with Little Colonels Academy. It’s wonderful to hear from faculty and staff on campus how much their kids at LCA enjoyed their visits to the library this summer.”
The first event, themed after LCA’s Ocean Week, was June 7-11. Throughout the week, children danced to Dr. Stephens rendition of “Baby Shark,” listened to YouTube Videos involving the sea, enjoyed ocean-themed books and participated in hands-on activities. One activity had students pass a beach ball around when they answered different questions, such as what is an animal that lives under the sea? Children also dug into a box of water beads to find sea creatures like seahorses and dolphins.
For LCA’s America Week, which was June 28 to July 2, Burbante dressed up as Lady Liberty, while Batte and Dr. Stephens took turns as Uncle Sam. The children sang songs including “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” read books like “This Little President” and drew flags from their imaginations.
The Little Colonels celebrated Christmas in July at the library from the 26th-30th. The children drew Christmas tree ornaments on paper plates, listened to songs like “Let it Go” and heard stories including how Minnie Mouse saved Christmas.
“These programs were fun for me because I love to dress up to themes, and this gave me a break in my day-to-day work,” Burbante said. “I also love any chance to show the fun side of the library. I think the kids really enjoyed coming to the library as much as we enjoyed having them.”
Up next for the Library will be an open house from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 25.
