Malden Public Library thanks Fire Department

Upcoming children’s events

When our Children’s Librarian retired and we faced a future without storytimes, we put out the call… And as always the Malden Fire Department stepped up and answered, being the first on the scene to make sure our preschool storytime had books and activities to inspire young readers. Malden Fire is always there when we need them; they are here in an emergency, to update our systems and inspect our alarms, but they also come to support our book sale and children’s programs and give informative storytimes to our smallest patrons. We are fortunate to live in a community with city services that are not just committed to doing their day-to-day jobs, but are also willing to lend their support to other city departments and our residents to make sure that Maldonians get the most out of their city.

The Malden Fire Department came to tell our preschoolers stories and to show them what Fire Departments do and give them the tools to be safe and prepared for an emergency. Firefighters Sarah Finn and Dave Ball with Lt. Rodriguez Exilus took time to show the kids what a firefighter looks like in their gear, to help them feel confident and unafraid when they see a firefighter in an emergency and to hear about what it is like to do the job. This is the sort of programming that creates lasting and significant memories for young children. The books firefighter Sarah and firefighter Dave read were about what firefighters do and how they help keep our community safe. Without their help, we would not be able to provide this valuable service to our young readers. The library is a richer and more effective place thanks to their support of our services.

And the Fire Department does not just collaborate with the library. They do school outreach, host touch a truck events, invite groups to tour fire houses and show up at community events both as first responders and welcome participants. We rely on the time they spend outside of their primary role in providing safety services.

In addition to Malden Fire, Ward 5 Councillor Ari Taylor and City Council President Amanda Linehan stepped up to lead a storytime on April 16. And Malden Reads has provided support with their ongoing children’s focused programming, like “Big Night in the Light” on April 11. And coming soon: the Malden Police Department will be joining us on April 23 at 10:30 a.m. to tell stories and teach kids about the department.

We are so appreciative of everyone who has stepped up so far. And though these are temporary solutions while we try to work with the city to support our Children’s Department, we are so grateful to live and work in a community that answers the call without hesitation. Thank you to Malden Fire, Malden Police, City Hall, our amazing Friends of the Malden Public Library, and Malden Reads. It takes a community to serve a community, and we are fortunate to have such dedicated public servants making that possible.

Ongoing special preschool storytimes will meet Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and will be followed by a craft, while presenters are available. Reach out the Malden Public Library for specific presenters and schedule details at 781-324-0218.

(Photos courtesy of the Malden Public Library)