For half a generation, Livingston Manor children have been lucky enough to start their preschool experience at storytime with Ms. Jess at the Livingston Manor Library. Twice a week, little ones stroll through the library door, at first timid, taking in the colorful sights of the children’s room. After a few visits, they walk right in, wide-eyed and excited.

Toddlers begin to learn the basics at storytime before entering formal preschool. With Ms. Jess, they learn that story books are joyful, that the written words represent spoken words, and that the pictures tell a story. They also learn how to check out library books to take home, and to bring them back when they return. But perhaps the real reason they come back to storytime is Ms. Jess!

Children enjoy Jess’s high energy and friendly encouragement while doing simple crafts, playing on the felt board or making music with shaker eggs, percussion blocks and tambourines. According to Jess, “Storytime with the kids is the highlight of my job. I’ve had the pleasure of reading to children that started attending as infants and participated weekly for years before becoming school aged, storytime pros.”

Besides leading storytime, Jess also creates take-home craft kits for young children, and keeps the children’s room looking fresh and fun.

Yet, Jess’s contributions to the library extend well beyond the children’s room, as she plans and arranges programs for all ages throughout the year. And on top of her other library activities, Jess recently received her notary public certification and will soon be available to notarize banking documents, contracts, wills and other items, providing a service often requested at the library.

Jess Davis serves our community with a smile and a laugh, as one of a team of friendly staff at the newly merged Livingston Manor-Roscoe Library.

At the Livingston Manor Branch:

Storytime with crafts is held every Tuesday, and Musical Storytime is every Friday, both from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Infants through age five are welcome to participate.
Craft Kits for Kids are available in brown paper bags with materials and instructions to make simple projects that vary with the seasons. They are free and always in stock at the library.
For notary public service, please call the library at 845-439-5440 to make an appointment.
Do you have an idea for a talk, presentation or workshop? Email Jess at atjdavis@rcls.org.

Library hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sunday: closed

May programs - these sessions are at the library, 92 Main St., unless otherwise noted.

Wednesday, May 7: Staying Safe Online, 5 p.m.
Thursday, May 8: Unlocking the College Admissions Process, 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 10: Houseplants & Horticulture, 11 a.m.
Friday, May 16: Identity Theft Protection, noon.
Saturday, May 17: Flower Day Kids’ Craft, 10 a.m.

To learn more, call the library at 845-439-5440 or visit livingstonmanorlibrary.org.