Anderson takes over children’s section at Millbrook Library

Anderson takes over children’s section at Millbrook Library
Milbrook Library Director Courtney Tshalis, left, with Kate Anderson, the new children’s literacy coordinator, last week at the Millbrook Library at 3 Friendly Lane.
Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

MILLBROOK — For many children, one of their first times picking up a book all on their own is at their local library. And much of what they learn through their young lives, and what they see and hear at their library, becomes the basis throughout their academic careers. That includes everything from socialization to learning about a wide variety of subjects to participating in fun hands-on activities.

The Millbrook Library has long offered a varied and exciting array of programs for local youth. This year, after more than two year of COVID-19 programming that was drastically restricted, is library was able to re-institute a lot of its fan favorites and start up some new offerings, many in person.

After a few years at the library, the popular Children’s Literacy Coordinator Miss Abbey is now gone. She left to pursue other goals, but has young library patrons are in the very capable hands of Kate Anderson, the new children’s literacy coordinator.

With a wide smile and evident enthusiasm, Anderson is a perfect fit in the library’s Children’s Room, said Milbrook Library Director Courtney Tshalis. Building on programs already in place, Anderson is taking on the storytelling role, encouraging budding friendships and directing arts and crafts for little fingers and eager minds. 

Anderson said she is excited about the job she started July 5. She recently made the switch from nearby Merritt Books and Toys in the village, just a few blocks away.

“I am honored to be joining the Millbrook Library as the children’s literacy coordinator, and am eager to connect with children and families in our community,” she said, “to both enjoy time together and to learn how best be of service. Please stop in.”

She added she’s enjoying the new role; she has plenty of hands-on experience already as a mom of two. She home-schooled one of her children for a time and worked extensively in a day care, in summer camps and has also done dome nursing, so clearly has a nurturing side to her. 

While Anderson said she thoroughly enjoyed working at Merritt and misses the bookstore, she is exciting to be working at the library.  

Merritt owner Kira Wisner was also sad to see Anderson leave, but happy for her, too.

“You made the right choice,” Wisner said she told her. “You’ll be great at it.”

Anderson said she’s still “getting the lay of the land” at the library and looks forward to meeting all of the library’s patrons — young and young at heart. 

While her own taste in reading leans toward the eclectic, enjoying fantasy and enjoys audio books, she enjoys reading to children. And there are so many other activities to offer at the library, like a bank of computers available for children to use, thanks to a recent grant. There are also plenty of toys, like large stuffed turtles and a stuffed Labrador. Of course, lots of books and tapes for budding minds, and fun events like movie nights.

“I’m very excited to have Kate join our library team,” said Tshalis. “Even though she has only just started, I know that her creativity and kindness will be a wonderful asset to the children in our community.”

For details,  go to www.millbrooklibrary.org or call 845-677-3611.

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