Newspaper article

Butterflies at the Library

By JANIS DELL'OLIO Posted: Wednesday, April 2, 2008

No matter what your age or interest, the Southeast Branch Library, 6670 U.S. 1 South, sponsors such a wide variety of activities that you are sure to find one that appeals to you. A personal favorite of mine is the monthly family activity night, organized by Alyssa Gilbert, youth services librarian.

March 25, the activity was "Hungry Caterpillars and Beautiful Butterflies."

The fun began when Miss Alyssa read the classic "A Very Hungry Caterpillar" to the group. She was assisted by Faith Wilson, 6, who "helped" a caterpillar puppet "eat" an apple. Cailene Bush, 4, proudly showed me the butterfly she had made out of a plastic storage bag, confetti and pipe cleaners distributed by Alyssa and volunteer Jean Bitting. Cailene, was accompanied by her mom, Susan Bush, of St. Augustine South and by her "Nanny and Pop Pop," aka Don and Grace who were visiting from Pennsylvania. Cailene loves butterflies and was even wearing a butterfly T-shirt, as was Aubrey Goates.

Aubrey, 4, introduced me to her high-spirited brother Mason, age 1, and her parents, Richard and Jenell. The Goates family enjoy frequent visits to the library. Lauren Goedelman told me that this was the first time she had brought her son Dexter, a serious and articulate gentleman age nearly 5, to activity night, but "It won't be the last time!"

Volunteer Jean Bitting was invaluable, helping participants with craft material and compliments. Jean lives in the Datil Pepper Road area and not only has she been volunteering at the library for five years, she also brings her energy and cheerful smile to the Council of Aging volunteer program.