Laura Mooneyhan shares the world of books with young Elizabeth Long. [Click to enlarge]

The Rector Public Library has a new addition, as the staff and visitors recently welcomed new children's librarian Laura Mooneyhan.

Mooneyhan has joined the library on a part-time basis. She will be in charge of planning and implementing children's programs at the library. These programs are essential to the library, as it makes an effort to not only offer a fun and educational environment for Rector children, but also creating within young visitors a love for reading which they will carry with them their whole lives.

Mooneyhan says she is enjoying her work.

"I'm tickled to be here," she said. "This is so much fun."

Mooeyhan says she is impressed by what is available at the small library.

"Before I came here, I didn't realize what all the library offers. We have so many programs and services here. Of course, we have our various children's programs. People can register to vote here. We have our computer services. Then, there's the museum and genealogy area. It's really amazing."

As for the children's programs, Mooneyhan plans to continue to have monthly offerings for youngsters. She also is planning weekly events for Head Start students, with the possibility of a similar series of programs for preschool students on the horizon. In conjunction with National Library Sign-up Month in September, the library will provide a program featuring the songs and puppets of Brian Kinder.

Mooneyhan says she wants to increase the amount of community involvement in the children's programs.

"I'd like a lot of community support. I want to get more of our high school kids active with our younger children. I think we have a lot of older kids here who could have a positive impact on the lives of our younger children. That's definitely something I want to explore."

By working with the youth of the area, Mooneyhan feels she can help improve the future outlook for the area.

"I feel the more services our community can offer our kids, the more of a draw we have for them to come back when they're older. If we can build that connection now, then it's more likely to last."

Mooneyhan certainly has experience with children. As a mother, she's raised four of her own. She has two sons, Aaron Parsley and Seth Parsley, daughter Hannah Parsley, and stepson Login Mooneyhan.

"I'm a mom," Mooneyhan said. "I've been a mom to my kids and their friends for so long, it's just a part of who I am. I love it. That's part of why I wanted to do this job. I love children and want to help them any way I can."