Freeport Area sophomore Anne Lindsay runs story time, other library programs

With about a dozen children and parents gathered round in a semi-circle, Anne Lindsay greets them all with a few strums on her ukulele and a welcoming song.

Some sing along, while a few youths decide which is more comfortable, a couch or the floor, and then another tune about the joy of getting together is played.

This has become the traditional start of the South Buffalo township teen’s story time program at the Freeport Area Library.

“It’s always been very close to me,” Anne said about the library along Market Street. “I’ve always been a very avid reader. I wanted to do some volunteering to get my volunteer hours up, but I wanted to do it in an impactful way, so I decided to start a little program. It’s also great to give back to my community.”

Anne, 15, introduces different themes, books and crafts at each program. Participants heard “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper on Sept. 27.

Children made trains out of construction paper, cotton balls, googly eyes and glue that evening.

“(I like) that we get to do a craft,” said Rachel Salinas, 10, of Freeport. “That’s my favorite part. I like the songs, too.”

Rachel was at story time with her younger brother, Isaac, 8. He got up and danced during one of the songs.

The Freeport Area High School sophomore began her story time in June. The most participants at a given time was about 30.

Anne is usually assisted by her younger sister, Marion Lindsay, 8, who does sign language.

“I know her feedback is going to be honest,” Anne said. “Usually, she’s super nice to me, but if I’m going too fast reading she’ll be like, ‘Next week, maybe slow down.’ She’s there to help, and it’s nice to have that comfort level.”

Nicole Chiado brought her son, Bryson Samay, 3, to Anne’s story time all summer.

“I like it because of the interaction with the other kids he gets to socialize with, and I think the literacy part is important and just getting to hear new stories,” Chiado said. “I think she does an awesome job and I hope she continues to do it.”

Anne said her parents, Virginia and Travis, always would encourage her and her siblings, Calvin, Elsie and Marion to read.

So much so that when it came to chores, a person reading at the time would get a pass on the labor for the sake of literacy. Not so much of a break for other activities.

“When you sit and watch TV, (mom’s) like, ‘Well, you can get up and do something else,’ ” Anne said.

Head librarian Nancy Hagins commended Anne for her ongoing efforts.

“Anne is a bright, shining star here,” Hagins said. “Her commitment and love for the library has been obvious since she was 8 years old. We are extremely fortunate to have her volunteer for story time and the teen book club.”

Anne also assists with the library’s social media presence and is in the process of starting a teen book club.

Her next story times are scheduled for 5 p.m. Oct 18 and 25.

Anne is also a standout science student in the district.

She was recognized as one of the top 300 Broadcom MASTERS for a science project she completed during her eighth grade year. The Broadcom MASTERS competition claims to be “the nation’s premier STEM program for middle school students.”

When Anne is not reading, involved with school studies, library programs, running cross country and other extracurriculars, she bakes.

She started her own business during the pandemic, Anne made Bread, which features a variety of sourdough creations.

Anne has been known to use bake sales as fundraisers including one in August for the American Humane Association.

More information about her baking is available at facebook.com/annemade bread.

More information about library activities is available at freeportlibrary.org.