Popular library program enhanced by a local resident’s talent  

A popular program for young people at the Apalachin Library, American Girl Dolls, has inspired a local resident to donate her time and talent. Long-time Apalachin resident, Judy Damico, has created and sewn several outfits for the dolls, and the patrons and library staff are extremely grateful for her generosity.

The Apalachin Library is home to three American Girl Dolls, Mary Ellen and Melody, along with a Julie doll, and are available for young people to play with during regular library hours. In addition to Damico’s crafty party ensembles and pajama sets, among other clothing sets, there are also accessories to accompany the dolls, like furniture and picnic sets.

Cathy Sorber, Apalachin Library director, shared, “There is a tremendous interest in the program,” and further commented that the doll sign-out sheet is quite active on a regular basis.  

A program that originated a few years ago, it has been revived by current library staff and reaches out to young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play or learn from the dolls.   

Sorber explained that young people can sign out the American Girl Dolls at the main desk and play with them anywhere in the library. At special events such as Movie Monday, the dolls often accompany youth to the library’s “kid-friendly” movie which is played in the large program room, part of the library’s expansion.

Sorber said, too, that youth learn responsibility by signing out the dolls on their own, as well as gain knowledge about history through the eyes of each doll.

Part of the appeal of American Girl Dolls is that each doll “tells a story” where they are featured in an accompanying book or series of books, and all associated within a specific time period. The dolls act as a role model, so-to-speak, where they help to build character and offer encouragement.  

Sorber spoke positively about the quality of the American Girl Doll books, and of which the company has published hundreds.

Approximately 20 young people attended a workshop at the Apalachin Library on July 23 to experience history with American Girl Doll, Melody, who represents the 1960’s, and a time of social change. Melody’s character introduced library-goers to the Civil Rights era, and where famous names like Martin Luther King, Jr. and President John F. Kennedy were mentioned, and also allowed discussions about fairness and equality for all people.  

Damico, now 84, finds sewing American Girl Doll clothing both rewarding and fulfilling. She often holds “sewing days” with her two granddaughters, where the focus is on enhancing skills and creativity while making memories from the time spent together. Damico said it’s also a time to set aside electronics and smart phones.  

An avid doll enthusiast since she was a young girl, and one of her favorites being her Shirley Temple doll, Judy commented, “Making the doll clothes has been a pleasure,” and chuckled as she added, “It’s my play time, too.”

For Sorber, whether it’s offering programs that aid in basic social skills such as taking turns or losing while playing board games, or exploring the world through various reading resources, it has become her passion to offer programs at the library which get kids, along with their families, to take a break from the lure of electronics.      

For more information about programs and services offered at the Apalachin Library, visit apalachinlibrary.org or find them on Facebook.