Since the beginning of the year, the Mt. Pleasant Public Library has hosted “Disney Days,” during which the local facility turns the first Saturday of each month into an entertaining day of movies and activities for children.
“‘Disney Days' have been growing in popularity,” said Mary Lou Shick, director of the library at 120 S. Church St. in the borough.
“We have been having nice turnout, with 9 to 12 children, plus the adults who bring them. It is a real family occasion with all joining in the activities.”
Several library volunteers help with the events, which along with movie screenings include a themed craft and snacks. Library volunteer Bolana Fuge-Hary suggested the monthly event.
“I have always had a passion for Disney movies, and (I) wanted a way that I could share that love with the children in our community,” Fuge-Hary said. “I thought it would be cool if kids could watch the movies here at the library like they would at a theater, and if we could have activities based (on) the movies. I started bouncing the idea around with my colleagues, Maddie Krol and Cindy Zelmore, and Disney Days was born.”
The next “Disney Days” installment, scheduled for 10 a.m. April 4, will feature Cassandra Lowe of Volunteer Princesses, who will attend in portrayal of the “Ice Queen.”
“Bolana became aware of Volunteer Princesses through a friend and contacted them through their website,” Shick said. “When she found out that they were willing to visit our library, she got permission from me to include a visit with Disney Days. We are looking forward to a visit from a famous ‘Ice Queen.' It seems like a fine way to say goodbye to winter.”
The Disney movie to be screened tells the story of two sisters in an icy kingdom, complete with a happy ending and wonderfully lovable characters. To screen Disney films, the library must avoid using the film's title or character names in promotion of the event, which is why only a synopsis of the plot for each film is provided as a condition of the public performance license provided by Westmoreland County.
“We are all so excited to have the ‘Ice Queen' visiting us,” Fuge-Hary said. “She will be acting out some of the scenes as the movie plays, and she will be around for games, a meet-and-greet, and photo opportunities after the movie.”
The movie will be a part of the month-long celebration of saying goodbye to the winter months with the theme “Let Winter Go!”
“We are very excited to have the ‘Ice Queen' come to visit us, and I am sure that everyone will have lots of questions to ask her,” said Debbi Kosisky, the facility's children's librarian.
The library's staff is excited to be offering the new monthly program that is a hit for families of all ages, Shick said.
“It is the enthusiasm of Bolana, her assistants, and now Volunteer Princesses who make this special event fun by sharing their love of Disney movies and characters, Shick said.
Disney Days are free to attend. For information or to register for the event, call the library at 724-547-3850.
Marilyn Forbes is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media.
