Recycling Roundup at library to feature puppets, composting

Children will learn about recycling options in Madison County at the library’s Recycling Roundup. (RECORD PHOTO/GREGG PARKER)

MADISON – Girls and boys can report for duty at the Recycling Roundup on April 15 at Madison Public Library.

The two-hour program will begin at 3 p.m. with activities “to suit a broader range of kids and interests,” youth services librarian Maggie Allen said.

Allen, colleague Mandy Pinyan and “a whole troop of fabulous volunteers” will present a 30-minute puppet show featuring stories and music “to inspire young children to be more thoughtful of the world and its resources.”

These not-ready-for-primetime players will dramatize stories about monsters saving the environment, kids reinventing and reusing the box and more.

“Mandy and I are always eager for an excuse for a puppet show. We jumped on the chance to bring this knowledge and enthusiasm on recycling to the younger crowd and for an opportunity at a grant for the library,” Allen said. As Earth Day approaches, an in-progress grant possibility has encouraged the session.

From 4 to 5 p.m., Garden Rangers will learn interactively about materials to recycle and compost. Garden Ranger membership is free but reservations are required to confirm adequate supplies. “As long as kids are signed up, they’re welcome,” Allen said.

“We have an amazing group of kids in Garden Rangers. Each month, we take on a different gardening task,” Allen said. In April, Garden Rangers will focus on the active composting system for the library garden.

In the garden, the children will have a scavenger hunt. “We’ll see which items are allowed in the ‘blue bins’ here in Madison County and what other options we have in the county with recycling,” Allen said.

Teams will assemble a new composting bin. “The kids will learn what’s allowed/not allowed in composting bins and how the layers and environment play a factor in the project’s success,” Allen said.

For spring reading, Allen recommends the just released ‘Beyonders’ book by Brandon for fans of Fablehaven. “For picture books, I’m super excited about ‘Exclamation Mark’ by Rosenthal — so clever,” she said.

For reservations, email to mallen@hmcpl.org.