Morton Township Library

Library Showcase:

 The value of stories

Within the last few years, television companies and producers have started to tap into a large audience; 0-5 year olds. Sesame Street now has stiff competition such as Dora the Explorer, High Five, Peeps Wide World, Franklin, Miffy, Connie the Cow, Maisy, and the Magic School (just to name a few).

As a mother of two small children, Annalise (3) and Enoch (10 months), I have seen most of the 0-5 shows, many of the episodes several times. My kids enjoy the cute characters and catchy songs; I enjoy the educational value to the shows. Some shows hold more value than others. For example as a result of a Magic School Bus episode on hearing, the other day my daughter told me that her slinky looked like sound waves and sound waves are what allow her to hear. My daughter can also count to 30, knows her alphabet, is a great artist, sings beautifully, and has just completed writing a novel on the social challenges of being a 3 year old. (Okay, maybe not the last thing.) My son Enoch is really good at making music with pots, pans, and Tupperware and I think it would make an excellent music CD. Contact me if you would like a copy.

There is a debate as to whether or not TV is healthy for small children, but I do not deny that they have learned lessons from Dora and the students on the Magic School Bus. While the shows are teaching my children, they are also reminding me of some very important life lessons: believing in yourself, helping other people, being resourceful, providing services, being creative, making the most of what you have, using your strengths and abilities, and working as a team to solve a problem, and above all else, having fun with whatever task you are given. (I have never seen Dora stressed out) Without even realizing it, one of our member libraries, Morton Township Library has applied all of these themes to their library.

• “Small is Powerful, Believe it l” Save-Ums ! (Discovery Kids Network)

The Morton Township Library is a class II library located in Mecosta. Their population size has not hindered them in any way. In 1991 they built a new facility and as a result, they now have 4 full-time staff, a part time computer technician and their circulation has tripled. A few years ago, they converted their meeting room into space to house their children’s collection. They are already in need of more space and have plans for an addition in the next 2-4 years.

• “Helping, helping other people, you help me and I’ll help you (song)” Sesame Street (PBS)

There are lots of “helping hands” at the library. The Friends of the Library help support the library by providing supplemental funds for programs, and by buying equipment. (They recently purchased folding tables for the kids’ area). Last week Friday as part of the library outreach program, the Wacky Science Guy presented at their local elementary school to 400 students. Besides the cost of staff time, none of the expenses relating to the presentation came from their operating fund. The Michigan Humanities Council, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the F.O.L. and a local group called Mecosta Area Committee worked together to fund the program.

Eight weekly volunteer help the paid staff run the library. The volunteers shelve books, prepare material, and lend a hand where needed.

• “Backpack (4 times) I'm the Backpack - Loaded up with things and nick nacs too - Anything that you might need I got inside for you. - Backpack  (4 times) (song)” Dora the Explorer (Nick Jr.)

The song can easily be applied to the Morton Township Library. They are loaded up with books, materials, and anything else that patrons might need. They were one of the first places in the area to provide public internet access to patrons – they now have eight public computers. Each week, they have “tot time” and preschool story hours. Their children’s librarian is planning on starting “Craft Readers”, a craft / story time for kindergarten through second graders and “Discovery zone” a program for 3 rd, 4 th and 5 th graders. In addition, the library offers free computer classes 12 times a month and a volunteer offers Genealogy classes.

• “If there's a place you got to go - I'm the one you need to know - I'm the Map - I'm the Map - I'm the Map - If there's a place you got to get - I can get you there I bet - I'm the Map (12 times) (song)” Dora the Explorer (Nick Jr.)

In March, their entire staff will be using a Map of Boston to navigate as they attend the PLA conference. The money to attend the conference will not be coming from the library’s operating budget. In 2000, the library received an Endowment fund from Dr. Janet Towne’s estate. (The Morton Township Library Endowment Fund was created with part of this money.) Dr. Towne cited the library’s excellent customer service as the reason for her donation. Her desire was to have the money used for staff training and development and the board decided to honor her wishes by sending the staff to PLA in 2006. The library will remain open during the conference and will be staffed by volunteers.

• “How do you share a story? – And make it come to life? – open the books – Read it out loud – share the world inside the word – Share a story, share a story (portion of a song) PBS national literacy campaign http://pbskids.org/shareastory/

Television, books, libraries, and people – they all have stories to tell. Each story has value and a lesson that can be learned. (Thanks for being patient as I told stories about my children.) As a result of hearing Morton Township Library’s story, it has once again been reiterated to me the power and value of libraries. We salute the Morton Township Library for all they have done for their community and are proud to have them as a member of the Mid-Michigan Library League.

Mid-Michigan Library League- 210 1/2 N. Mitchell- Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: 800-968-0046 Fax: 800-968-3297

Website design: Holly Mercer
Last Update: March 29, 2007