Bedtime Story Hour by Nancy Bujnowski
Nancy Bujnowski
“Hello, kiddos! I see we all have our jammies on! Are you ready for bedtime stories?”
Yes!” screamed the two- to five-year-olds, wiggling with excitement. They snuggled down into their parents’ and caretakers’ laps, holding their blankies and stuffed animals, some sucking thumbs. It was 6:30 p.m. at the Edgewater Public Library at Elmdale and Broadway.
Lights turned down in the children’s area. The circle of eager youngsters fixed their eyes on Scott, the children’s librarian, a tall, dark-haired, young man wearing Cat-in-the-Hat pajamas.
Hilariously, he plowed through silly, rollicking rhymes, “A told B and B told C, I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree! Chicka, Chicka Boom Boom! Will there be enough room?”
Gradually, Scott slowed the pace as he read books with sleepier bedtime rhythms. “Goodnight moon, goodnight room, goodnight to the cow jumping over the moon. Goodnight comb, goodnight brush, goodnight to the old lady whispering “Hush!” The adults tucked their sleepy kids into strollers and backpacks. Say “Goodnight to Mr. Scott, and thank you,” they whispered to their children, now ready for bed.
Edgewater Public Library became a fixture in my children’s lives in the 1990s. They devoured hundreds of its irresistible books with nursery rhymes, alphabet, number, and color topics, and richly illustrated stories! Every week we made an excursion to this beloved institution that offered a treasury of books.
“We can take seventeen books home with us after the librarian checks them out,” I told Julie. Over time, our favorite authors and illustrators became part of our growing family. The library area in our home was a beloved place to read and cuddle.
Edgewater Library has offered so much encouragement to the community. In 2013, a new, two- story building replaced the one built in 1973 that I enjoyed with my girls. The expansion offers not only books, but computer access, movie showings, classes, and crafts for all ages!
And the well-loved children’s program? Now it is known as Storypalooza! And that little toddler I once took to Bedtime Story Hour? She loves working in the Chicago Public Library and takes her own daughter to its branches!
Copyright © 2024, Nancy Bujnowski