Camas children show their book bona fides with Kid Librarian program

Lilah Meier struggled to learn to read as a young child. Even though she improved her literacy skills as she got older, she still carried around the perception that she wasn’t that smart when it comes to books.

Taking part in the Camas Public Library Kid Librarian program helped the 9-year-old Helen Baller Elementary School student rewrite that story about herself.

“Her time as a Kid Librarian was a great way for her to feel like books are her thing,” said Liisa Meier, Lilah’s mother. “We are also so grateful for how welcome it made her feel. We moved to Camas in the last year, and it has been tough adjusting to a new place. Being a Kid Librarian has really made Lilah feel like she is a part of Camas.”

The program highlights younger patrons like Lilah and their reading interests by allowing them to create displays with decorations, original artwork and their favorite books in the library’s kids’ room.

“Every patron should feel a sense of ownership and community at the Camas library, no matter what their age is. I hope that Kid Librarian helps kids achieve that,” Camas Public Library Director Connie Urquhart said. “I love that Kid Librarian helps children feel seen, especially for a hobby like reading. Plus, it’s an endorsement for the library from an actual kid — how cool is that?”

The program was created in 2021 by library associate Maria Martin, who drew inspiration from a similar program in Farmville, N.C.

“COVID was definitely still something we were trying to plan around, and we knew this program would work with families’ comfort levels,” Martin said. “It was a way to involve our kids, to spotlight their interest in reading and celebrate the fact that they enjoy books and their own interests.”

The program allows local children in kindergarten through fifth grade to sign up for weeklong sessions on a first-come, first-served basis. Originally offered from November through February, it later expanded to span the full school year because of its popularity.

“This is the fourth year that I’ve done it, and I have had only a couple weeks when nobody signed up,” Martin said. “Occasionally, I’ll get some repeat families — some of the kids will want to do it again. But for the most part, they’re all new families, or (the participant) has an older sibling who participated previously. I think it just shows that it’s something that the families really enjoy and look forward to.”

Participants either select their books themselves or provide a list to Martin. They have the option of bringing in artwork or decorations to personalize their displays, giving them creative freedom to showcase their individuality and interests.

Martin said the program supports the library’s goal of encouraging reading and community engagement.

“I hope that the kids feel like their voice was heard, that they had something that they wanted to share and we gave them space to do that,” Martin said.

Shayaa Maharjan, a 7-year-old Woodburn Elementary School student, served as the Kid Librarian for the week of March 30. Her display included books from the popular “Dog Man,” “Elephant & Piggie” and “Baby-Sitters Little Sister” series, and her artwork of “KPop Demon Hunters” characters.

Shayaa, an avid reader, was “excited” to participate in the program, her mother, Sudin Maharjan, said.

“She was there every day that week,” Maharjan said. “Now, she’s more into reading and asks me to go to the library more often than before. I think it’s really special for a kid to see their name up there and pick their own books, put their artwork on display. I really like it.”

Lilah, who served as the Kid Librarian in mid-December, built her display around an animal theme, filling her shelf with animal-centered books and personal touches from home, including stuffed animals and handmade paw print art.

Setting up the display became a family effort, with her two older brothers helping and her father, Telly Meier, treating everyone to hot cocoa.

“She treated it like an event,” Liisa Meier said. “She was happily astonished to find out that she would get to be a Kid Librarian for a week, and she loved every second of it. It was such a positive experience for her.”