A great partnership between two Hornell icons
By: Johanna Elattar
On a warm Wednesday afternoon, the Hornell Public Library buzzed with excitement as children gathered for a unique literary experience: Humane Society Story Time. This special program, a collaborative effort between the library and the Humane Society of Hornell, invited young readers to share their favorite books with furry, four-legged listeners—cats and kittens awaiting adoption.
The initiative, which took place on July 17th, aimed to foster a love of reading in children while providing socialization opportunities for shelter animals. It provided an excellent way for kids to practice their reading skills in a relaxed environment, with cats offering nonjudgmental companionship that creates a comfortable setting for hesitant readers.
As families entered the library, they were greeted by friendly staff and volunteers who guided them through the process. Children picked up a number at the circulation desk, which determined the order in which they would read to the cats, ensuring each child had a fair turn and allowing the event to run smoothly.
The library had prepared several cozy reading nooks where children could sit comfortably with their chosen cat or kitten. The ambiance was warm and inviting, creating the perfect setting for young readers to immerse themselves in their stories.
The benefits of reading aloud to animals are well-documented. For many children, the presence of a nonjudgmental, attentive listener helps reduce anxiety and build confidence. This was certainly the case for the participants at the Humane Society Story Time. Parents echoed this sentiment, observing the positive impact on their children. One parent shared that their daughter, usually shy about reading in front of others, was excited to read to a kitten, significantly boosting her confidence.
The one-on-one reading sessions were a highlight of the event. Children carefully selected books from the library’s extensive collection, choosing stories that ranged from classic fairy tales to contemporary adventures. As they read aloud, their feline companions responded with gentle purring, occasional head-butts, and curious gazes. The interaction between the kids and the cats was amazing to watch, with bonds forming as the children read and the cats seemingly enjoying the experience as much as the kids did.
In addition to the individual reading sessions, the event featured a group story time led by Eba, a beloved staff member at the library. Children gathered around as Eba read aloud from a specially selected book, while curious cats and kittens occasionally joined in, adding their own brand of charm to the storytelling. The group story time was a hit, encouraging empathy, communication, and a love for animals.
The group story time not only provided entertainment but also reinforced the sense of community among the participants. Children and parents alike shared in the joy of the experience, creating lasting memories and forging new friendships.
The Humane Society Story Time event underscored the positive impact of community partnerships. By collaborating with the Humane Society, the Hornell Public Library was able to offer a unique and enriching program that benefited both children and animals. The library staff was thrilled to offer programs like this, which benefit both young readers and the animals in the community. It’s a joyful experience for everyone involved, and the library looks forward to hosting more Humane Society Story Times in the future.
The success of the event also highlighted the importance of supporting local shelters and libraries. Through their combined efforts, the Humane Society and the Hornell Public Library demonstrated how community resources can be leveraged to create meaningful and impactful experiences.
As the event drew to a close, the positive feedback from participants and volunteers was overwhelming. Many parents expressed their hope that the Humane Society Story Time would become a regular fixture at the library. One parent shared that their son loved reading to the cats and hoped the event would be held again soon. It’s a fantastic way to encourage kids to read and also help out the local Humane Society.
The Humane Society Story Time at the Hornell Public Library was more than just an afternoon of reading; it was a celebration of community, compassion, and the joy of storytelling. By bringing together children and shelter animals, the event created a unique and enriching experience that will be remembered by all who attended.
As families left the library, their hearts full and their minds inspired, it was clear that the collaboration between the Hornell Public Library and the Humane Society had achieved something truly special. It was a day where paws met pages, and stories came to life in the most delightful and unexpected ways.
