Valley Stream celebrates its library

The Henry Waldinger Library had something for everyone last Saturday at its biennial open house.

Magician Terry Parrett delighted children with his tricks during three separate magic shows. During his breaks, he made balloon animals for the kids. There were also winter-themed arts and crafts, and story times with children’s librarian Jaclyn Kunz.

For the adults, there was a used book sale, raffles and information about the library’s various programs including the monthly book club.

Erik Alschuler-Pierce brought his son and daughter to the open house. He said he was looking for something fun for his children on such a cold day and found it at Valley Stream’s library. “They definitely enjoyed the magician,” he said.

Lauren Staley said she had come to the library to study and found out about the open house. She called her husband and told him to come down with their 2-year-old daughter, Nia. “She’s not in school the interaction with the kids is great,” Staley said.

For Madison Mayer, 2, Saturday’s open house was her first experience at the library. Her mother, Jennifer, said they came to the library just to check out some books and discovered all the fun activities.

“She loved it. She wants to do everything,” Mayer said of Madison. “We came on a good day.”

Mary Sheffield, president of the library’s Board of Trustees, said she was pleased with the turnout and to see everyone having an good time. She hopes that people left having an enjoyable experience and wanting to come back to the library again.

Director Mamie Eng said a lot of work goes into planning the open house and the library staff worked hard to decorate and set up the activities. New this year, she said, were raffles of book packages.

Eng said she was glad to see many new faces at the open house. “People enjoy having an afternoon when they can come out and do things at the library,” she said.

The Waldinger Library holds an open house every other year. The next event will be in 2012 when the library will be celebrating its 50th year at its current location. Said Eng, “You can look forward to something bigger and better.”

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