‘This is a nice, safe place where kids can come and have fun’

ROCHELLE — During the week of local schools’ spring break March 27-31, the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District is hosting its “ultimate staycation” activities for youth in the community including mini putt and movies.

The children’s department has been transformed into a mini putt course, which will be open until March 31 and possibly April 1. Attendees can pick up a kids-sized putter, ball and scorecard at the upstairs circulation desk and golf their way through the library. 

After first showings on Monday, March 27 of “Clifford: The Big Red Dog,” Lightyear will be shown on Thursday, March 30 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Snacks and comfy chairs will be provided. 

"We are your library and your Rochelle staycation destination,” Library Director Sarah Flanagan said. “This week we have things to do for kids that aren't going out of town with their families. A lot of families can't afford to or parents don't have vacation. Kids can come here and have fun for the week. There are a lot of kids that are staying home by themselves this week. This is a nice, safe place where they can come and have fun.”

Mayor John Bearrows was in attendance at the library on Tuesday and joined young patrons for a round of golf. Library Outreach Clerk Ashley Capes brought the idea of indoor mini putt and the library’s staff worked together to create it. Each hole of the mini putt course has a different children’s book theme.

“I've always liked mini putt and I thought it would be cool to do it in the basement of the library away from the weather and inside,” Capes said. “It includes reading, which the library is all about. We have so many cool and colorful picture books that we incorporated with information about the authors and different books. It involves learning and it's fun."

Capes said the work to bring the mini putt course to life was “pretty involved” and everyone on staff at the library contributed. Staff searched for images and decided which books to use. Staff stayed late a couple of nights to get everything set up and make sure it was at the right skill level for kids.

"I love seeing our staff put something like this together for the community,” Flanagan said. “I love seeing kids here having fun. The more the merrier. We're having a great time. This is what we're here for, to give kids a fun, safe place to come where they're having a good time and learning about something. My staff works well together and I appreciate all of the hard work they've put into this."

Capes said the community should be on the lookout for more family-inclusive activities in the future at the library throughout the spring and into summer, when a big summer reading program is being planned. Patrons can find that information on the library’s website and social media.

"I think it's good to have kids engaged with their community and coming into the library and having fun while learning and reading,” Capes said. “Most importantly, we just want to get them into the library and out in the community."