New Poway Librarian Alex Areta led the Jan. 22 Toddler Storytime at the Poway Library.
Areta joined the library’s dozen staff members in December after working at the Solana Beach branch library as a Technician 3. He read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle at the storytime and danced with the children to various songs.
The free storytimes for children ages 2 to 4 years old are from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Thursdays at the Poway Library branch.
Past readers have included representatives of the Poway Sheriff’s Office, the Poway Chamber of Commerce, food distribution groups and other notable community members.
Julie Gallant
Librarian 1 Alex Areta reads the book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to toddlers at the Poway Library on Thursday, Jan. 22. (Julie Gallant)
The Jan. 29 Toddler Storytime will highlight Moose’s Flock, a bird sanctuary and rescue. The Oceanside-based nonprofit provides medical care, foster and adoptive homes for non-native doves, unreleasable ferals and domestic pigeons in Southern California.
Founder Jenna Close will present an educational program on pigeon history, welfare and their ability to make good pets. Close said she plans to bring a rescued pigeon named Amira, who she describes as “super sweet and loves to be petted.”
Courtesy Jenna Close
Moose’s Flock bird sanctuary founder Jenna Close cuddles with the nonprofit’s namesake, Moose. (Courtesy Jenna Close)
Close also plans to read the book, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems. Close said she participated in a Poway OnStage party after a theatrical performance based on the book at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts on Jan. 17.
When Close founded Moose’s Flock two years ago after rescuing pigeons and doves for nine years, she named it after the first pigeon she adopted, named Moose, she said. The bird recovered from a serious illness after a year and a half of medical treatment, she said.
“Through the process we bonded to each other and he became my soul bird,” Close said. “He’s the one who started it all.”
The sanctuary is expanding and will move to a 2-acre property in Jamul in the next couple of months.
“We’ll have more aviaries, host events and have more visitors and volunteers,” she said.
Toddler Storytime will highlight Poway Symphony flute and cello musicians on Feb. 26.
For more information, call 858-513-2900. The library is at 13137 Poway Road.
(Julie Gallant)
Families gather with kids at the Jan. 22 Toddler Storytime. (Julie Gallant)