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By Jill Runfola

The Monessen Public Library on Schoonmaker Ave. decided to honor Chinese New Year on January 28 at 11 a.m. in the children’s department of the library.

Participating in the Library Chinese New Year are Cole Tamski, 9, from Bridgeville, and Eli Rudge, age 11. They hold crafts. Marsha Adams, coordinator, is in back.

The library staff plans events for children all the time based on calendar holidays and happenings. Due to the blustery cold weather, only a couple of kids attended the informative morning. However, the children still had a good time engaging in the planned activities.

Marsha Adams, Children’s Coordinator, said, “The children love learning about other cultures. They love things they can make and take. There is some kind of lore that goes with the Chinese New Year, and we will learn about it today… Dragons are the symbol of China and believed to bring good luck, so the longer they dance, the more luck is given to the people.”

Although not at today’s event, Adams’ assistants are Asya Yanyo and Candis Kelley who are both volunteers. They give selflessly of their time to help out for the children.
The Chinese New Year festivities began with the kids picking out animals for the years they were born. Then, Adams read the story, “A New Year’s Reunion.” Storytime was about a family living in China and their involvement in the holiday affairs. Some traditions included: serving rice balls, the fortune coin, lanterns with wishes and dragon parades.

The children did arts and crafts and were given the option to make Chinese lanterns, masks, and fortune squares. They were excited to take their unique crafts home with them. They also played a game utilizing Chinese chopsticks, and the winner selected a prize.

Eli Rudge, coordinator Marsha Adams’ grandson, helps out at the library. Here he cuts out crafts for the event.

Adams explained about other programs and events the Monessen Library offers. She then said, “They might think they’re playing a game, but they’re learning science, technology, engineering, and math skills. That’s what’s wanted in the job field.”

Additionally, the library offers a ‘Cruise into Kindergarten’ program. “We received a grant of over $1,000 for it. A lot of parents can’t afford pre-school, but if they bring their children every other week, they will be ready for kindergarten,” Adams noted.

For more information, visit www.monessenlibrary.org or call 724-684-4750.

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