Story time at Mars Area Public Library
The Mars Area Public Library conducted story time at the Mars Train Station on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
About 50 children and their parents filed into the train station to read books and sing songs before boarding the train for a loop — or two loops for some especially excited children — on the railroad at 1 Brickyard Road.
“They were more than accommodating, so some kids got second turns on the couple minute ride,” Mars Area Public Library’s children’s librarian Jen Ford said.
The Wednesday venue-change marked the third time the library moved a story time to the train station. It’s something the library aims to do every September, according to Ford.
“The kids just love it … and it’s very important to work with the community. I feel with us there, it’s bringing attention to the station, which helps them, but it helps us, too.”
The event began on a pavilion with the reading of train-themed books and a few singalongs. Prior to the opportunity for train rides, Ford and state Rep. Stephenie Scialabba, R-12th, read “Chugga Chugga Choo Choo” by Emma Garcia and “Trains Go” by Steve Light.
Children sang along to songs, including “I’ve been Working on the Railroad,” “Down by the Station” and “Choo Choo Train.”
“The kids love trains. The songs that gets them all riled up, and then, you see how they get excited with the sounds, seeing the little train sitting there,” Ford said.
While waiting for their turn on the train, children kept busy playing with two train tables. Families could also look at a red caboose on display or visit the gift shop.
The Mars Train Station will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays through the end of the October.
