On Sunday February 11, 2018 the heart of this ole library director was lightened by the performance of Lindsay Aucella and her puppet pals. Pig, Walter, Betty, and Louis enchanted the audience from the very first to the final moments of the SUNDAYS AT THE LIBRARY PROGRAM!
There were about 45 people in attendance, the vast majority were children who gathered on the floor – watching, singing along, helping out, and creating a very scary monster. Lindsay writes,
“I have to say, occasionally a performance experience feels a bit more special than others, and Sunday’s show was one of those. You had a really nice audience- I always appreciate when the adults are as engaged as the kids.”
Several things stood out for me as I reflect on what made the afternoon so special. First, the politeness and manners of the young audience members was extraordinary. They definitely came to be entertained but they demonstrated superb listening skills; paying close attention to the story and Lindsay’s instructions. Second, the power of storytelling was on full display Sunday and the kids bought into the magic “hook, line, and sinker.” You could sense the buzz of enchantment from the group gathered around Lindsay and her life size puppets. I also was so impressed with the fathers in the audience who had the courage to sing along, make wolf ears, and shout out along with their sons and daughters. We see moms doing this a lot. To see dads putting it out there was notable, especially for the little boys in the audience. Dads, you just showed your boys that it is cool to have fun at the town library!
As Lindsay and Louis wrapped up the fastest hour ever, I stood at the back of the room and just listened to the giggles emanating from the gang as they listened to Louis’s mixed up ABC Song leaving me with a giant smile from deep within. If that wasn’t special enough, the children, filling the large room with their chorus off little voices singing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” choked me up and brought a tear to my eye. Such a sweet sound and what a privilege it was to be a part of the event. I truly felt like the Tucker Free Library made a difference in the life of the Henniker community on that cold and rainy Sunday afternoon. The day will be one that I remember as being one of the best in my life as a library director!