As 4-year-old Sofia Reyes dove into her ice cream soda, mixing and stirring and getting it just right for tasting, Halie Palma, 3, focused on choosing the right crayon colors for an animal illustration. Halie had already finished her creamy treat and was happily anticipating another library pleasure -- reading a new set of books with her mom.
She loves reading, said Sonia Rodriguez, who had brought her daughter to Ferguson Librarys South End Branch for its summer reading kick-off event Wednesday. They were among dozens of residents stopping by to enjoy ice cream sodas and check out books.
Were a community library, said Josephine Fulcher-Anderson, the branch supervisor. Its very personal. But its not just the children. We have adult summer reading here, too.
Betty McCree, Inera Palmer and Ester Grant-Tinsley are among the frequent adult library users. McCree and Palmer have an ongoing competition to see who can read the most books. McCree won by two last year, but Palmer challenges the score, saying audio books shouldnt count. McCree begs to differ.
Such friendly competitions and book-enthused camaraderie will be missed if the library has to reduce programs, or shut its doors. The possibility has become all too real as budget cuts threaten the librarys role as a community tie. This year marks its 40th anniversary.
It would be devastating if we had to close the library, said Fulcher-Anderson.
Rodriguez added that her daughter is not only learning to read there, shes also developing computer skills.
Shes only 3 and already knows how to use the computer, said Rodriguez. They have after-school programs and cultural things, so the kids get to learn. Its amazing. I dont know what Id do if they close it. I love it here and the kids love it here.
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