Horsing around at the Lincoln library, what's next?

[May 05, 2015]  LINCOLN - There was some horsing around on the Carnegie lawn of the Lincoln Public Library on Saturday afternoon, and it was fun. More and more, the Lincoln library has become a place for all ages and interests. This last Saturday's "Meet a horse" was a thrill for young and old alike.

Angela Dowell of Dowell Quarter Horses in Greenview brought her 12-year-old Shetland Pony for show-and-tell on the library lawn. Dowel chose to bring "Popcorn" because of her gentle nature and her size; she would be more comfortable for the children to reach.

Over the course of an hour 30 or 40 people, many under the age of 12, and some over 50, stopped by to pet the pony with big brown eyes and soft hair.

Dowell offers riding lessons. One of her pupils, Abbey from West Lincoln Broadwell School, was on hand to help out on Saturday afternoon. Abbey has been in training and showing with Dowell for just over a year, and loves being around the horses any time she can be. She was happy to be there and helped some of the youngest children get over any inhibitions they might have to get closer to Popcorn for a touch.

Youth Services Librarian Melissa Oxborrow was on hand to greet visitors and to facilitate the activity.

Nearby, Library Director Richard Sumrall was also enjoying the event and visiting with guests. Sumrall said the library is having its best year. There is a lot of interest in e-books and in the many other programs and services that the library has to offer today.

Sumrall shared that they are getting really excited about the upcoming summer reading program for youth, which will begin soon. As part of the program to keep kids engaged in learning during the summer months, the library has been hosting special events that entice the kids to read books on topic.

While quite popular and well attended, most of the events are held during the daytime on a weekday. Some parents are at work or unavailable. The 'Meet a horse' was held on a Saturday for families to be able to attend together.

While not yet ready to name it, Sumrall said that a lot of people would be interested the big event planned for this summer. They are planning to hold it at a time when they hope more families can attend together.

Watch LDN for details on the summer reading program. It is sure to be the best yet.

[Jan Youngquist]