The Children's Department

Friday evening the Canton Public Library was delighted to host 17 bears, one infamous mouse, and a very friendly plush puppy for our second ever "Teddy Bear Sleepover."  The caregivers of the bears, library patrons aged 2 through 8, dropped off the bears at 4 p.m. on Friday, leaving them tucked in for the night after reading them a bedtime story. 

Many thanks to our 6 volunteers from Canton Intermediate School, who helped the smaller children find safe places for their bears to spend the night before lending their voices to the bedtime stories!

Our very friendly (and big) Mr. Bear, with his helper Curious George, were elected to be chaperones for the night.  We know some nighttime mischief occurred before the library opened again the next morning, since the bears were found in playful positions all over the Children's Room of the library!  Some completed crafts, others put on a puppet show, one puppy took a ride in a shopping cart, and still others had a tea party.  Some of the quieter bears were found reading their favorite books, and two others had decided that THEY wanted to be the librarians.

The bears' caregivers all returned promptly the next morning to pick them up, and then stayed for a Teddy Bear Picnic style story time!  We read several bear books, sang some bear songs, and watched a short movie starring Cordoroy the Bear.  Beary delicious snacks were shared by all, before we made bear valentine puppets.

We hope to repeat the experience next year!