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It was quite a sight to see! On Friday June 24th, children lined up at the Goleta Valley Library to drop off their favorite stuffed animal for a super sleepover event. Staff were prepared for a great turnout as they have had in the past but were thrilled to see more than 200 “stuffies” dropped off this year for the “all-nighter”.
“I love hosting this event because it fosters personal growth for kids as they become grownups to their stuffed animals” said Linda Hori, Library Technician at the Goleta Valley Library. “As they were dropping off stuffed animals for the night, I heard whispers of ‘I love you’ and ‘Be good’ or ‘Have fun.’”
So, what did they do all night? The animal friends enjoyed a variety of adventures and shenanigans. They made s’mores, enjoyed yummy drinks, played fun games, and even had a dance party! The night was capped off with a special bubble machine bedtime story.
Librarians reported that all guests were very well-behaved, although they did get a little naughty playing on the photocopy machine.
The following morning, families picked up their stuffed animal friends along with pictures and a certificate of the fun adventures they enjoyed during the night.
“My kids really love browsing the pictures to see what their stuffed animals were up to during the night,” one parent said.
“My daughter absolutely loves this program,” another parent said. “She loved looking for her teddy and seeing what he did with his new library friends.”
Thanks to everyone who participated. And a special thank you to the Library Staff who made this event so memorable along with the help of more than 15 teen volunteers.
There is always something fun and interesting happening at the Goleta Valley Library. Click here for a list of the events and prizes included in the Summer Reading Program for Kids, Teens, and Adults.
Visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org to check out the Events Calendar to see all of the great things planned, including puppet shows, concerts, crafts, and much more!
