Local youngsters celebrate American Girl Week

MONROE-Local girls traveled back in time recently during Monroe Free Library American Girl Week. Characters from important eras in this nation's history stepped right out of the pages of the American Girl series books and mingled with awestruck young ladies. These historical fiction books present the story of America as seen through the eyes of girls living in times ranging from pre-Colonial to the Second World War. Millions of children are avidly following the American Girl adventures and learning at the same time. The book characters have been turned into a line of dolls. The Monroe Free Library invited the girls of today and their dolls to an American Girl Doll Tea Party and several American Girl craft workshops. The Tea Party was the highlight of the week's festivities. Thirty-six girls and their mothers attended, each with a cherished doll. Delicious refreshments were prepared and attractively displayed by library staff and volunteers. Teen volunteers dressed in authentic costumes portrayed the American Girls. The elaborate dresses were sewn by the teens themselves and other volunteer labor. Each teen read aloud a brief presentation on the history of her character and then chatted with the partygoers. The children played games and made American Girl tote bags. Crafts made throughout American Girl Week at the Monroe Free Library included trinket boxes, tote bags, and journals. "This is one of our most popular summer events," said Rebecca Lynn, Head of Children's Services, "Reading about the American Girls is both fun and educational." The happy children at the library certainly seemed to agree. For information about future children's programs, visit the library at 44 Millpond Parkway, or call 783-4411.