As a regular blogger, I’ve written before about Cuyahoga County Public Library’s (CCPL) FamilySpace program, and the ideas generated by the accompanying Family Advisory Committee (FAC). The most recent idea, however, was even more impactful than others as a community event.
The South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch Library FAC wanted to have a Paw Patrol-based program, leveraging the interest many of their children have in that world. The dogs’ jobs are a great way to highlight community helpers, and we proceeded with planning the event.
Considering that our participants would be between the ages of 2 and 5, the “Pup Rescue Training Camp” would be play-based and developmentally appropriate. Staff leveraged CCPL’s Toy Library and borrowed any toy that fit the pups’ service jobs—fire, police, construction, recycling, and air-water-snow rescue (real water was used in bins!), etc., along with dog-themed toys. Each was set up in its own area (although the toys traveled all over!). Simple (and open) crafts and coloring pages were also available.
It then occurred to staff that the library serves two communities with two mayors, one male and one female, just like the neighboring communities of Adventure Bay and Foggy Bottom in the Paw Patrol TV show. Might the mayors be interested in donning a costume for their youngest constituents?
The answer was an unequivocal and enthusiastic yes! South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo morphed into Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway while good sport Lyndhurst Mayor Patrick Ward stepped into the purple suit and top hot of Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger. Their buy-in was amazing! While you can purchase a Mayor Humdinger costume, none is available for Mayor Goodway. Mayor Welo asked to see a picture of her character and matched the outfit perfectly down to the cartoon’s red shoes! The mayors were provided puppets that matched their counterparts’ animal companions—yes, Chickaletta and a menagerie of cats (stuffed, as Mayor Ward is allergic!) were present. The mayors walked around greeting each delighted child with the puppets. Many kids were stunned to see the mayors in real life and recognized them immediately! Service dogs from both communities rounded out the festivities.
After the City of Lyndhurst shared photos on social media, the local community paper called and wrote an article on the event, which was attended by approximately 120 people. It was an amazing time of community building and fun!
This post addresses the core competencies of I. Commitment to Client Group, III. Programming Skills, and V. Outreach and Advocacy.