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WILKES-BARRE — Joanne Austin wants to get kids in the library to read and learn, even when school is not in session.

That’s why Austin, director of the Osterhout Library’s north branch, used yesterday’s Presidents Day holiday to organize a literacy event.

As she began to set up different work stations for children to use, she lifted up a single Lincoln Log. When she asked the children if anyone knew why they were called Lincoln Logs, the kids shook their heads. Next, she asked if anyone knew whose birthday they were celebrating Monday. When some of the kids responded with President Lincoln, she then gave the answer.

“Abe Lincoln grew up in a log cabin,” Austin said, hence why the wooden pieces were dubbed Lincoln Logs.

As the children broke off into their preferred activities, Parsons resident Andrea Tosh watched her 3-year-old granddaughter, Olivia Taylor, color a patriotic picture. Tosh happened to learn about the event after bringing the kids to the library. Across the room, Tosh’s niece, 7-year-old Lily Davis, was busy stacking magnetic tiles on top of one another in a color-block fashion.

“I think I’m trying to build a skyscraper,” Davis said with a smile as she placed another tile at the top.

At the next table over, Tamika Greene was busy working with her son, Travis, as they worked to complete a log house. With its base and sides completed, they moved on to Legos while Greene’s step-daughter, Adella, finished the roof of the house.

“It gets them to do something, some activities,” Greene said as she helped her son fasten Lego men to a ship. “I didn’t want them sitting in front of the TV all day. It’s that time of the year to start getting outside.”

Greene said she and her family often patronize the library. They enjoy coming to the events because Austin is always so pleasant and welcoming, she said, and the programs are a great time to truly interact with her children.

‘Not on the computer’

Across the room, Theodore Langhorne was busy stacking multi-colored Legos together as he continued to build his own house. After placing four pillars on each corner, Langhorne then tried to connect the tiny squares together on top so he could make a roof for the structure.

The 11 year-old’s mother, Nanci, said Theodore and her other son, Matthew, frequently attend the library’s monthly Lego-building sessions. She looks forward to getting her children to the library.

“It’s something for them to do to get them out of the house,” she said. “And their not on the computer.”

Like Greene, Langhorne praised Austin and the events she puts together, adding that all the children seem to really love her and the activities.

Austin says many of the programs utilize aspects from PA Forward, created by the Pennsylvania Library Association. At Monday’s event, kids used reading skills and learned about socializing, healthy eating and more.

“It’s a basic literacy we’re doing,” she said. “It’s made to use your imagination”

The next program at the library is “My Grown-up and Me,” which will take place every Thursday in March at 10 a.m. It features story and interactive playtime for children ages 1-3 and their caregivers.

Travis Greene, 5, of Wilkes-Barre, plays with LEGOs at the north branch of the Osterhout Library in Wilkes-Barre for a Presidents Day full of crafts for the children on Monday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TTL022117PresidentsDay1-1.jpg.optimal.jpgTravis Greene, 5, of Wilkes-Barre, plays with LEGOs at the north branch of the Osterhout Library in Wilkes-Barre for a Presidents Day full of crafts for the children on Monday. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Travis, 5, Tamika and Idella Greene, 8, all of Wilkes-Barre, play with LEGOs at the library event.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TTL022117PresidentsDay2-1.jpg.optimal.jpgTravis, 5, Tamika and Idella Greene, 8, all of Wilkes-Barre, play with LEGOs at the library event. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Matthew Langhorne, 10, of Wilkes-Barre, builds a log cabin out of Lincoln Logs.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TTL022117PresidentsDay3-1.jpg.optimal.jpgMatthew Langhorne, 10, of Wilkes-Barre, builds a log cabin out of Lincoln Logs. Sean McKeag | Times Leader
Osterhout branch crafts programs to make reading fun

By Marcella Kester

For Times Leader

Reach the Times Leader newsroom at 570-829-7242 or on Twitter @TLnews.