The Forks Elementary Library is more than a room full of books, it’s a bright, happy space where imagination is encouraged and curiosity is celebrated. Librarian Cathy Johnson has worked hard to make the library feel welcoming, especially for her youngest readers.

On Thursday, June 12, the pre-kindergarten class filed in for their last library visit of the school year. “Walk on the dots and sit on a dot in the Reading Nook,” Johnson directed, guiding the children to a sunken, cozy corner lined with colorful lights. A chair sat in the middle, reserved for the librarian — their storyteller.

Once everyone was seated on their designated dots, Johnson opened a book written by a familiar name: Pam Fries, a former Forks resident. Titled Something’s Eating the Garden, the book sparked smiles and guesses from the kids as they chimed in with ideas about which critter might be the culprit.

“I like to read books written by current and former Forks residents,” Johnson explained. “It shows the kids that you can do anything, even write a book.”

After the story, the children moved to tables where each got a small plate and a collection of food-themed stickers. Carefully, they chose their favorite vegetables, treats, and snacks to create their own “meals,” before browsing books from baskets placed at each table.

Johnson, who sees 18 classes a week, has shaped the library into a place for hands-on learning and storytelling. “The first thing I did was take out the computers,” she said. “It gave me more room for books, and after two years of kids being on screens during COVID, I wanted them to read, do crafts, be kids.”

As the session wrapped up, the children retraced their steps to the door, following the dots once again. Johnson waved them out with a cheerful goodbye: “See you next year — or at the grocery store!”