By Liz McBreen
Gaining the attention of other libraries, the project soon went national, and only returned to Long Island this year.
The program is made up of a group of children's librarians from all over the country who are dedicated to promoting literacy in children.
"It is important for children to be read to even from birth. It stimulates their auditory system, and encourages an interest in reading. Programs like this also get them used to coming to the library," said Stefanie Lipsey, a WH librarian.
The Family Place Project holds meetings where participating librarians are trained how to create areas within the library where children and parents can have one-on-one play time.
"I love it," said Jen Anderson. She says it is a chance for her two and a half year old daughter to have her undivided attention. "There's no phone ringing or laundry to do, and the crafts she does here are very rewarding." Julia proudly displays her crafts next to those of her older sister who attends the kindergarten program at Chestnut Street School.
The Parent/Child Workshop began in the WH library on Sept. 12. The group, including children from one to three years old and a parent meets once a week for five weeks. The sessions are an hour and fifteen minutes during which children and parents play together, do crafts, look at books and participate in a song-a-long at the end of the session.
Every week, the group is visited by a specialist from the community. "We have had a speech therapist, and a doctor from West Hempstead came one week to talk about nutrition," said Lipsey.
Al Escobar, the Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics for the West Hempstead district, and Michael Scaturro, a PE teacher at West Hempstead Middle School and Chestnut Street School visited the last session on Oct. 10.
"The Superintendent received a letter from the library asking for specialists in different areas who would be interested in taking part in the program. We said we would do it," said Escobar, adding, "we're here to answer any questions parents have about keeping the kids fit," said Escobar.
The specialists who come to the workshop are introduced at the beginning of the session, and are available throughout the duration of the session for parents' questions. They often bring hand-outs for parents to take with them. "We don't have any formal lectures because the children might not want to sit still through a speech," said Lipsey.
"I like the program," said Suki Curry. "It's a relaxed situation, and I can talk to my daughter one-on-one, and get to know other moms while she interacts with other kids."
Jocklyn Carter, the head of the Children's room at the library is the person responsible for bringing the workshop to West Hempstead. "Jocklyn put in about six months of work before the program got to the library," said Lipsey.
Although the workshop is intended to give parents and children time to play among themselves, some of the parents expressed a desire for some structure. "I think the specialists should d speak more to the group at the beginning of the session, maybe give a quick overview," said Marisol Casanova. Her son Lorenzo is one and a half. "I think the crafts are a good idea, and the kids get to interact with one another, which is important."
The workshops will be a regular feature at West Hempstead Library from now on. As time goes on, Lipsey hopes to add more resources to the program. The next workshop will begin in January, and several people from the community have already volunteered to participate in the sessions as special guests.
