On the Same Page: Reedsburg Public Library unveils Tonies collection
Stop by the Library to check out the Tonies; the newest addition to the children's collection. (Submitted photo)
Finally, the Tonies have arrived! When you think of the Tonies you may envision the annual Broadway awards on television, or jazz crooner Tony Bennett, or even Tony the Tiger of frosted flake fame. What you may not know is that the Library has just acquired several Tonie sets sure to be a hit with young children and their parents.
A Tonie Box is a newly patented device, a small square audio player in a box, easily handled and managed by kids. When character shaped figurines are plugged into the top of the box, the characters narrate their part of the story being told. In some Tonie sets, the figures may play music. The figurines are easily switched out so that another story character may narrate. Children can control the volume by squeezing the ears of the characters, and can fast forward or go back in the story by turning the box. Tonie sets acquired by the Library so far include several Disney and DreamWorks characters, stories from children’s authors Mo Willems and Bill Martin, and National Geographic Kids figurines, amongst others. Tonies are geared toward children 3 to 8 years old.
The Tonies are just the latest incarnation in an evolving line of educational audio products for children. RPL already loans a large collection of books paired with compact discs or digital audio players so that children may read along with a story. A newer collection of audio enabled books have the audio controls and electronics built right into the book’s cover. The Tonie Sets recently acquired by the library are located in the Children’s area near other audio book collections and may be checked out for two weeks. A Tonie Box is also available for in-library use so that families can enjoy the experience without having to bring one home.
As a reminder, this Monday April 14, be sure to set aside part of your evening to attend the Historical First Impressions presentation of Women Who Dared. As discussed in last week’s article, actor Jessica Michna will bring to life the efforts of last century’s suffragettes as they win for themselves and generations to come the right to vote. The presentation, held at 6 p.m. in the library’s Community Room, is appropriate for those with an interest in history from middle school on up. No registration or fee is required for this program.
On April 30, local library enthusiast and cook Heidi Feller will kick off an RPL Cookbook Club at 6 p.m. in the library’s Community Roo. The group will meet on the last Wednesday of each month to share, compare and partake of recipes in a given category. Ina Garten is the featured chef for April and several of her cookbooks are on display and available for checkout at the library. Participants will make a dish from any one of the Ina Garten cookbooks and bring it to the library to share on April 30. Learn more about this program in the coming month. Sign up is available on the online calendar at www.reedsburg.librarycalendar.com
For questions about any library program or service call the library at 608-768-READ (7323) or email info@reedsburglibrary.org. The library will be closed Friday, April 18, through Sunday, April 20, for the Easter holiday.
