Buen trabajo, Story Explorers!

Next time you are in the Library, stop by the second floor display case and see the work of our Story Explorers!

The Story Explorers meet for one hour a week and participate in theme-based activities, along with snacks and just plain ol' fun. I don't often get a chance to work with the kids who visit our Library, but when I do, I'm always delighted to discover how creative, personable and SMART they are! Hmm - does that mean smart kids hang out at the Library, or does hanging out at the Library make you smarter? I was one of those kids who couldn't get enough of the Library. I was lucky enough to have two within walking distance of my school, and often on the way home I'd find a reason to visit one or the other. I don't think I had an inkling then that I'd make libraries my career, but what great inspiration those after-school visits must have been!

However, that's not what I'm writing about today - I'm writing about our Story Explorers. This great group of kids took the time at last week's session to compose some very unique works of art that also serve as calling cards to introduce their creators to another group of children, many, many miles away. The Des Plaines Public Library is very proud to be the Sister Library to Biblioteca Benjamín Franklin in Guadalajara, Mexico. In a few weeks, these colorful, personalized artworks will be on their way to say "¡Hola!" to children in Guadalajara, so stop by and see them soon. You can also meet our Story Explorers and see a few examples of their work in the short video up above.

In a world where children are often taught to fear and dislike people who are, in any way, different from them, I think any effort to break down barriers and celebrate our common humanity is a wonderful thing. Thanks, Story Explorers, for your good work and your good example!