Monument Branch Library hosted two family activities on February 9.
Janet Sellers of the Monument School of Fine Arts brought her Valentines for Veterans program to the library for a few hours that afternoon. In its 13th year, the program encourages all ages to create a card remembering veterans and active duty personnel for their service to the nation. Materials were provided for those who wished to make their own, and some completed cards were ready for a simple signature or message.
Ms. Sellers said of the recipients, "They can't see a flag by your front door, but they can hold a card you made for them and know they are remembered." The cards will go to the VA hospital in Denver and also overseas.
Later in the afternoon, puppeteer Alanna Jones delighted all with her program based on Aesop's Fables. Ms. Jones presented the story of the lion and the mouse, followed by a longer set of stories set before a painted backdrop and complete with sound effects.
Ms Jones has worked with puppets since 1984 and has worked as a children's librarian in Colorado in the past. She said that taking a class in mime helped her a great deal in designing her programs. Over the years she has also presented programs based on other literature, including Alice in Wonderland, for the library district.