For Elizabeth Beamon, booksbraren't just part of her job at the Southlake Public Library; they're a way tobrpersonally connect with community members. Affectionately known as “Ms.brElizabeth,” Beamon uses story time to share her love of literature and introducebrchildren to the magic of books. Settle in … it's story time.
Q: You've been a storyteller in Southlake for 15bryears. What do you enjoy most about what you do?
A: Getting to know the youngbrand young at heart. As a professional storyteller, I have performed all over Texas.brWhen I perform here, I get to connect with my audience. Feedback from listenersbris so much fun. I often say to our crowd, “You can’t make this stuff up! It’sbrlive theater.”
Q: Give us an idea of a typical day for you.
A: We collaborate as a teambrat the Southlake Public Library. Stacy Wells, our Youth Services Librarian, andbrI plan and perform the story times for which we are known. Also, I help at thebrfront desk, get materials ready for the shelf, and often help parents andbrgrandparents find great books for their children.
Q: How do you select the books to read for storybrtime?
A: Ms. Stacy and I havebrweekly meetings on what we will share. We introduce children to music,brrhymes and poetry as well as books. These enrich our story times—music andbrrepetition are powerful. We also remind parents, grandparents and caregivers tobrbring the culture of their childhood into their children’s lives.
Q: Favorite book you love reading to the kids?
A: That’s a hard one—therebris such great literature. “Millions of Cats” by Wanda Gág and “The Story of Ferdinand”brby Munro Leaf would be two of many. Often we have requests from mystery readersbrduring the school year, and I try not to overwhelm them with my enthusiasm.
Q: What's the age range for most kids who attend?
A: Most of our little onesbrare babies to four years old. This summer, we’ve seen two-week-old siblingsbrcome with their mommy and big brother or sister because someone needs to getbrout.
Q: Is there a particular book that's often requested?
A: Our little fans are sobryoung they haven’t chosen a favorite yet. However, they love the puppets Ms.brStacy and I bring to our story time. If you ask the moms over the years, theybrstill remember the puppets and the button game that we played together.
Q: Has anything surprised you during these storybrtimes?
A: I’m delighted to see thatbralthough the children are so young, they pay attention. Years ago, my puppetbrMabel Monkey, who plays with the children, loved the Texas Rangers. When a three-year-oldbrwas dressed in an opposing team’s shirt, he told his mom, “Great, now I’m neverbrgoing to get the button!” We regularly play a button game with our audiencebrwhere the puppet will look for the button.
Q: What would you say to parents who haven't yetbrtaken their kids to story time?
A: Please come and enjoy thebrexperience of storytelling and song. Story time is a great introduction to ourbrlibrary and the world of learning. We can guide you to books that you have fondbrmemories of or start you on a new path of learning.
Q: What are some activities in store this summer atbrthe Southlake Public Library?
A: So many I can’t list thembrall! We are pleased to offer Cupcake Wars for the tweens, Friday flicks at 2 p.m.bralong with art and animal acts for everyone. There are also reading incentivesbrin our summer reading program.
Q: Anything else you'd like to share?
A: Who knew when I startedbrreading to my own children many years ago that it would lead to a career forbrmentoring many other generations of readers? Often parents will share how theirbrchildren are in college, and they credit the Southlake Public Library for somebrof their success. It’s a privilege to be labeled “Ms. Elizabeth, the heart ofbrour library.” I’m honored to be part of this great community.