By Darlene Bowers
It’s a sunny morning in Ada. A spider rests on a young woman’s hand as a ladybug adorns her index finger. She captures the attention of a roomful of toddlers as she reads aloud from one of the thousands of books she’s grown to love.
She knows many of the stories by heart. It’s afternoon now. You hear her cheery voice lilting with encouragement as she explains to a youngster why eating candy near books that are shared with others is not a good idea.
She then quickly moves on to guide the craft creations. Later in the day she’s surrounded by a group of teens arriving after school and eager to share their day and grab a snack (most likely a waffle creation).
Book discussions or board games might be on the agenda. The young woman is feeding them food for the soul blended with words…words of kindness, respect, humor, fun and learning.
Now it’s evening and a completely different group surrounds her. Trials, triumph and faith are shared as each group member caresses the same book with a bonnet clad figure on the cover. So, where in Ada can you find this young woman who works with so many different groups and, more importantly, how can you get involved too?
Natalie Garver Walton graduated from Ada High School in 2004. After attending Indiana Wesleyan University, she transferred back home and attended Ohio Northern University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.
Natalie is the Ada Public Library’s Youth Services Coordinator and has been working with all ages at the library for four years. But more than that, she’s a lifelong Ada resident totally devoted to her community and fully aware of her role and opportunity to share her devotion and dedication to all who enter the library or cross her path.
When asked about the best part of the library, Natalie answers, “Our patrons; every one of them. Someone always has something nice to share or a friendly smile. Also, storytime!”
On any given week during the school year, Natalie reads to 20-30 attendees at library storytime, 40-45 preschoolers, and 110-120 Kindergarten and 1st graders.
She plans 8-10 programs each week for age groups ranging from babies to adults. “I have a passion for reading and early literacy in adolescents. My goal would be for every child in Ada, Ohio, to have a library card. I am currently brainstorming and working with other libraries in the state to make this a reality.
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library have had great success with this initiative in their counties. I recognize that these counties/cities are much larger than Ada, but I also believe in the power of a library card. So many free resources are waiting for students. I have to make this dream a reality for the students of Ada.”
Ask Natalie to list some favorite books and she might find it hard to stop! “Buster by Denise Fleming - it's a happy picture book about a dog and his owner. (I love dogs!) Any Elephant & Piggie story by Mo Willems - the humor is great for children and adults alike.
If you have or had children attend Ada Elementary in Kindergarten or 1st Grade, please ask them about Elephant & Piggie books. I promise you, they have heard them all! Wonder by R.J. Palacio - a story for all readers about middle school students dealing with bullies and the powers to overcome and stand out. It’s an inspirational story for parents, too. Anything by Nicola Yoon. Her writing style moves with a rhythm that is beautiful and intriguing,” shares Natalie.
It’s also intriguing and beautiful to hear Natalie discuss what the library contributes to the community, “I like to think the library is the very essence of community. We are for everyone. We are a resource for books and movies, of course, but we're a place to study, hold meetings, a place to hang out with friends, or a place to talk/listen. We're here for you.”
Natalie’s tips for enticing Ada residents to use the library are also a great example of the essence of community, “We are a Pokestop! More importantly, ask us your questions about materials. If you cannot find a particular title, for example, our helpful staff will find it. We are in a consortium linking the Ada Public Library to 90 libraries in the state and more outside of Ohio. Chances are we can find it.
If people are not using the library, perhaps they are unaware of the FREE materials waiting for them. Libraries have changed so much in the last 10 years. We are an ever-growing source of information in this Digital Age. We have many programs and apps that appeal to all ages. Get a FREE library card today! Our book and movie collections are continuously growing. We have free WiFi or access to computers. Use the library, we are here for you.”
Away from the library, Natalie and her husband, Josh, are hobby board gamers. They own over 200 modern board games! On free weekends, they like to host board game parties with friends and play for hours. She calls it “time well spent” and also loves to read, bake, and go for walks on the "monster" at ONU with her pleasant little dog, Ernesto.
However, Summer Reading is Natalie’s focus this time of year. Over 80 programs are packed into six weeks during the 2017 Summer Reading Program which runs June 3 through July 15 and carries the theme Build a Better World.
Natalie offers one last push of encouragement, “Sign-up for Summer Reading and help us celebrate our Centennial! We have something for everyone; books, programs, and prizes. STEM programming for Pre-K - 12th grades. Adult programming - photography lessons, board games, emerging tech show, etc. Family programs - musicians, magicians, Turtle Lady, Exotic Zoo animals. I am so excited for summer at the Ada Public Library.”
Come to the library and catch Natalie with or without an animal or insect puppet on her hand. Her enthusiasm is contagious. Engage in the library…a free, fun resource in our community. While you are there feel free to thank Natalie for all the good she’s tirelessly sharing to Build a Better World beginning with Ada (p.s. she like pistachios and peanut M&Ms).
Summer Reading runs June 3 through July 15 and truly offers something for everyone. All ages may participate and there are lots of prizes to be won as well. The Ada Public Library is located at 320 N. Main Street in Ada, Ohio. Hours are M-Th 10-8, Fri 10-5 and Sat 10-2.
