The Portage la Prairie Regional Library was filled with extra giggles and whispers last week, but not from children, it was their stuffies who moved in for a one-night sleepover on August 28. Twenty-one loyal companions, ranging from bears and giraffes to even a mischievous sloth, enjoyed a night of books, games, and a little bit of mischief before heading home with their families the next evening.
Program assistant Jeffrey Arndt says the event is designed to give kids a playful chance to send their cuddly friends off to a sleepover.
Books, games, and late-night fun
Once the parents left, the stuffies wasted no time making themselves at home. They explored the children’s section, chose books for themselves, curled up for story time, and even tested out the computers for games. Some made bracelets together, while others preferred cuddling up with their new friends.
“We’ve also got our computer workstations, but more than work, we’ve got computer game stations with all of our educational game software over in the kids’ corner we’ve got. Oh, plenty of toys and chances for them to make friends. They are going to have a chance to make friendship bracelets with each other,” says Arndt.
While most of the little friends got to try out activities they were allowed to do, some decided otherwise. Taking the fun into their own hands, creating some trouble.
“Sometimes they get off to some mischief,” notes Arndt.
Big goodbyes, happy returns
Saying goodbye wasn’t easy for families, who left their little friends behind for the night.
“So far, everyone’s kept it together, but I think I saw a little bit of moisture in some eyes,” continues Arndt.
For the stuffies, though, it was a night of freedom and friendship, even if the librarian had to keep a close eye on things.
“You hear about herding cats, well, herding bears and snakes and dogs. And we’ve got one very, very round sloth. You think of sloths as going slow, but you get that one on a hill, and boy, they’re just gone. You have to keep an eye on them,” adds Arndt.
By the time Friday evening rolled around, the stuffies were waiting proudly for their humans, who arrived eager to hear about the secret adventures their pals had shared.
Arndt says the library looks forward to continuing programs like these through September, always keeping the magic of reading and the imagination of stuffed friends alive.
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