Children at the Uniondale Public Library got a special visit from 17 members of the Uniondale Fire Department as part of an ongoing initiative to build stronger bonds between firefighters and the community — through story time.
Firefighters read Pete the Cat: Firefighter Pete aloud to children, in a setting designed to be both fun and comforting. Other books included multiple bilingual titles.
The idea began when the fire department was brainstorming new ways to connect with local families — especially children — and recognized the library as an ideal partner, since Fire Chief and alarm dispatcher Jessica Ellerby and legislator Olena Nicks red books to kids two years ago for Black History Month.
“The other guys saw that were saying is this the only time fire fighters read books? We want to read books too,” she said.
But coordinating schedules and was a challenge as all slots were full for another Black History Month reading.
“I said, wait a minute, let me put my other hat on – we can do a story time with the library,” Ellerby said who also serves on the library board.
Chrissy Hirsch, librarian and head of children’s services, said Ellerby reached out to the library’s assistant director, Syntychia Kendrick-Samuel, to get involved with programming for local youth.
Hirsch then organized multiple sessions to accommodate different family schedules. On Wednesday, day care groups attended a “touch a truck” story time, while Saturday’s session welcomed working families.
“We make it a priority to have multiple sessions of programs so that families can attend when they are available,” Hirsch said in an email.
She added that because the library sees so many children, their goal is to educate while making the experience memorable — something staff refers to as “creating a core memory.”
“When we see that one of our children’s programs has made a mark with the kids, we note that it is a core memory program,” Hirsch said. “Chief Jessica Ellerby and the firefighters created that core memory program through trust, learning and positive relationships.”
For many children, firefighters are seen only in emergency situations. But bringing them into a familiar, safe place like a library helps children form new, more personal associations.
“We want them to get more familiar with us as people, so they know that there are real people inside the gear,” Ellerby said, referencing first Assistant Chief Kevin Hicks, who also attended the event. “I really think these outside events help that, that’s why I like doing them.”
Ellerby added that the interaction isn’t just valuable for children — it helps firefighters as well.
“It works both ways to be better leaders,” she said. “It helps the fire department expand with public speaking and how to interact with children.”
Hirsch echoed the importance of building those connections in everyday spaces.
“Children may see the firefighters in the community, responding to very scary situations, so it is important that children experience our local emergency services in a relaxed learning environment,” she said.
“It is a relatable experience; being a community hero and a helper is both a vital and an attainable goal,” Hirsch added. “To quote the Fred Rogers Institute: In challenging times, Fred Rogers is often quoted saying something he learned from his mother: ‘Look for the helpers. There are always people who are helping.’ Right now, we are all looking for, and deeply appreciating, our many helpers.”
Nicks also stopped by on Saturday, reading books to children during the session. Nicks began volunteering with the Uniondale Fire Department at age 18 and remains closely involved.
“I was grateful to spend the afternoon at an event that promotes a love of reading and strengthens bonds between our community and the first responders who serve and protect them!”
