Library 'block party' rolls despite rainy weather

Jim "Mr. Stinky Feet" Cosgrove, with his multimember percussion section, entertains children and adults alike with his energy and catchy lyrics at the La Cygne Library Block Party on Thursday, May 29. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journa)

By Roger Sims, rsims@linncountyjournal.com

LA CYGNE – The La Cygne Library's Great Room was packed on Thursday, May 29. An estimated 150 children and the parents and grandpartents couldn't resist the driving beat and catchy rhymes that children's entertainer Jim Cosgrove (a.k.a. Mr Stinky Feet) was laying down.

"Rockin' the library," the children sang in unison, pumping their fists in the air as Cosgrove pounded out the rhythm on his guitar and led the chorus.

Library staffer LaVeda Riggs takes on Edda in a game challenges refliexes and requires quick hands.

While Cosgrove act had been planned for indoors, most of the other activities were not. Bounce houses and slides planned for Broadway in front of the library. But plans quickly changed. Bounce houses went up in the Swan Room, a tight but functional fit.

Other games were put between the stack shelves in the books. Parents as Teachers set up a booth. Swords made of balloons were constructed in the private meeting room. A game relying on quick reflexes was placed in front of the ciruculation desk. The block party was on.

Danielle Casey with the Linn County Health Department helps a student plant a vegetable seed.

Marais des Cygnes Extension Service members Karla Hightower, seated in front, and Kendra Browning help partygoers create homemade stress balls.

When Cosgrove's act was over, lunches were served free to everyone. Throughout the summer lunches will be served on weekdays without charge. Several businesses have made contributions to help cover expenses, however, the library enourages others to donate as well.

The library's annual block party event is the kickoff to its summer reading program. And if the participation Thursday was any indicator, the program should be very successful this year.

Ben, 6, and his sister, 3-year-old Grace, try their luck at the Roller Bowler game in the library book stacks.

Not every landing down the bounce castle obstacle-course slide was a smooth one. This boy seemed unaffected by his heels-over-head landing and quickly returned to the line to do it again.