Birdsboro library hosts story time program at Keystone Villa

Residents of Keystone Villa at Douglassville enjoyed a recent visit from young patrons from the Boone Area Library in Birdsboro, when youth coordinator Amber Hamel brought the Monday story time program to the retirement community.

Not only does story time aim to promote a love of reading for young children, but having the event on-site is a benefit to the residents as well. "They love (the children)," said Kim Haas, resident life director for the personal care facility at Keystone Villa. "When they see kids, they light up. They really enjoy it."

Hamel has taken the biweekly story time program on the road frequently since her appointment as youth coordinator in January of 2024. She regularly hosts story time programs at the Birdsboro Community Memorial Center at Birdsboro's Main Bird Park and at the Carousel at Pottstown, where she is a volunteer.

"When I started last year, I reached out to (Keystone Villa) to see if they were interested in collaborating on a story time between the kids and the residents," Hamel said of the partnership. "Their program coordinator was very excited to have the kids come to visit with the residents. My goal (is) to engage the library and the kids in different community aspects as much as possible."

Hamel led the program on March 10 with a song and then read two books to the children and seniors in attendance - "Singing in the Rain" and "Silly Suzy Goose." The youngsters then took part in a movement and dance activity, and all attendees got to try their hand at watercolor painting.

Among the participants was Michelle Halter of Birdsboro, who attended the program with Haven Halter, her granddaughter. Michelle said that attending story time parlayed into a volunteer opportunity for both of them.

"Every Thursday they have an activity time (at Keystone Villa). Haven and I come every other Thursday," said Michelle. "We do board games with them, and last time, they did balloon volleyball and trivia, where we sat around and answered questions. (Haven) can't answer questions, obviously, but she dances around and entertains them. Her dad, my son, is involved in the community (as the owner of Halter Materials & Landscape Supply), and he encouraged (me to bring her)."

Miss Amber's Story Time is held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. The program is designed for children up to age 5, but youngsters of all ages are welcome. No registration is required.

The next off-site story time will be held on Wednesday, March 19, at the Birdsboro Community Memorial Center, 201 E. Main St., Birdsboro. Youngsters should wear sneakers and bring a water bottle.

On Wednesday, March 26, story time will be held at French Creek State Park, 843 Park Road, Elverson. Hamel, along with park ranger Jared Brandt, will lead a "Squirrel Hunt."

In addition to story time, Hamel oversees Helping Hands Bingo, which is open to youngsters and senior citizens. Helping Hands Bingo takes place on the first Fridays of each month from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.

The Boone Area Library is located at 129 N. Mill St., Birdsboro. To learn more about story time and other library activities, visit www.facebook.com/boonearealibrary or www.berkslibraries.org/branch/boone. Those with questions may email Hamel at youthlibrarian@boonelibrary.org