New Youth Service Librarian at Sparta

By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA —Meaghan Darling has joined the staff at Sparta Public Library as the Youth Service Librarian replacing Peggy Lani, who retired.
In Darling’s role, she will be responsible for making sure the young readers have everything they need. And her audience ranges from 3 months old to 14, babies to teens.
“My goal is to make things accessible for them and create a comfortable space and offer programs they want to come in for,” said Darling.
Popular reading programs offered a few times a week engage the younger set: Babes & Books, Preschool Bookworms and Family Storytime.
Since Darling’s arrival in December, the youth section at the library has seen a small overhaul with some aesthetic changes.
“We wanted to open up the space, so we moved some furniture. We have a new book display, and we are trying to make it easier to find things.”
There are more board books for the very young next to the toys, making for easy access, Darling said.
Some new activities on the calendar are Messy Tuesday and Saturday Science.
“Messy Tuesdays are for ages 3 to 8 and it’s process-oriented art, meaning theme related: snow globes, recycling egg cartons, creating alligators are a few of the themes.”
On Science Saturdays, kids read a fun story and do a project such as making ice cream in a bag.
The older group of kids are equally important patrons, as they are often in the library after school doing homework.
“Our 3D printer and virtual reality computer is a draw for them,” she said.
Darling has a masters in Library and Information Science from Rutgers and came to Sparta after three years at Long Hill Public Library in Gillette, NJ.
Her career path was a no brainer: “I grew up in a public library doing after school programs. I have always enjoyed working with kids,” she said.
David Costa, director of Sparta Public Library said it was a priority for the library to get a professional librarian.
“We are trying to refocus the layout as well as the programming. With Meaghan’s experience, we are working on a good launch to the summer reading programming also. Part of her knowledge base is teens too, “ Costa said. “It’s a staff of three people, and we are moving forward with that team and looking forward to seeing what they can do.
And the fact that kids are looking at screens from a very young age does not take away from the tangible book, said Costa.
“Electronic overload is a big topic now. In fact, the stats last year show an uptick in non-digital media,” he said.
That being said, Costa hastened to add that the Sparta Public Library is always “keeping up on the edge” with the latest technology.
Library cards are available at age 5 with a parent or guardian present and proof of Sparta residency. Registration is required for most programs at the library. For details and information visit www.spartalibrary.com or tel. 973-729-3101.