Libraries generally aren’t considered “en-vogue” amongst the pre-teen crowd.
Miami,Oklahoma has reason to brag -- the Miami Public Library became a hot-spot for kids during its display of the Journey Stories exhibit this past November. Marcia Johnson, the library’s Executive Director, made it a priority to arrange tours for all of the students of Ottawa county, grades 3 through 5.
Tours were given to 30 children at a time and were buttressed by discussions about America’s various Journey Stories. Students danced to a song about the Erie Canal and were fascinated by the chewing gum in an object case illustrating the innovations of air travel. Marcia and the Miami Public Library received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from young visitors, as they heard squeals of “this is awesome,” and witnessed eager participation from their pint-sized pals.
All in all, over 1000 elementary school students visited the Journey Stories exhibit at the Miami Public Library – 1,078 to be exact! One shining moment among many was hearing a child avow; “This is the best day of my life"
"Many rural town residents never get the opportunity to travel to Washington DC and tour the Smithsonian. This project brings the Smithsonian to them," affirmed the Executive Director. Our sincere appreciation goes out to the Miami Public Library for making this virtual “trip to DC” a memorable one.
-- Roxanne Berschler, SITES -- Washington, D.C.
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