Visitors with young family members may have noticed a new, friendly face at the SouthShore Library in Ruskin. Riverview resident Allison Wever recently joined the team as the new children’s librarian helping young readers develop a love of books and hosting regular events for the whole family.
Wever, who worked as the children’s librarian at the Bloomingdale Regional Library for five years and was a member of the staff at the downtown John F. Germany Library previously, hosts toddler and story time at the library among other fun events.
“We are very excited to welcome Allison to the team,” said SouthShore Administrative Librarian Cheryl Wolfe. “She brings an innovation mindset, expertise and many talents and skills to her new role. As a children’s librarian, she spreads enthusiasm for reading and is committed to creating these positive learning experiences with young children.”
The children’s area of the library, decorated in a Florida Wildlife theme, offers books, magazines, media and computers for fun and learning.
According to Wolfe, the goal of toddler and story time at the library, which take place on Tuesday mornings, is to allow children to listen to stories, sing songs and participate in activities tied to early literacy. She explained that this summer there will also be a special series called Motion Commotion on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. from June 11 through July 9.
“We will have a fun-filled half hour of singing and dancing,” said Wolfe.
Children were recently invited to participate in an event with special guest Farmer Minor, who brought along a pig and read stories, sang songs and shared interesting facts about pigs with 62 attendees.
“The children squealed with delight when the farmer gave the pig a kiss,” said Wolfe.
SouthShore Regional Library opened in 2006 and is the largest branch in Hillsborough County, offering 40,000 sq. ft. of materials including books, magazines, online databases, music and DVDs for children, teens and adults in both Spanish and English. The library is located at 15816 Beth Shields Way, 273-3652, www.hcplc.org/locations/southshore.
