Westfield Washington Public Library teen volunteer creates mini-golf course

By AMY ADAMS
news@readthereporter.com

When you think of going to the library, do you usually think of playing miniature golf? Probably not. But thanks to a young volunteer, kids at Westfield Washington Public Library can putt their way through a literary-themed mini-golf course.

According to WWPL Assistant Director for Public Services Nancy Haggard, the mini-golf course is the “brainchild” of volunteer Children’s Librarian Assistant Ethan January.

The incoming eighth grader at Westfield Middle School loves the library. Having served as a youth volunteer last year, January has volunteered nearly 250 hours this summer.

“He’s been my right-hand man,” Haggard said.

January came up with the idea for creating a mini-golf course after doing research about programs other libraries have put together for children.

“The theme for the summer reading program this year is Adventure Begins at Your Library,” January said. “So I went around the library and looked for different stuff we had a lot of and designed a course around that. There are different themes, so the kids get to go on a little adventure.”

January has been working since June to design and construct the 13 holes. With themes such as construction, a race course, and the zoo, the holes allow young golfers to dodge books, boxes, paper cups, and any other obstacles January could invent. He even thought to use library bookends as a few of the “holes” through which each player aims for that hole-in-one. His personal favorite is the Dr. Suess hole which features cardboard recreations of beloved Dr. Suess characters.

January serves as one of many teen volunteers for the summer.

Teen Librarian Lisa Williams oversees 28 volunteers ages 13 to 18 who went through training in May and help oversee the summer reading program throughout its eight weeks.

“We could not do the summer reading program if they weren’t here,” Williams said.

Haggard said that the youth volunteers have managed the summer reading program through Beanstack, an app that tracks how many hours and books patrons read, as well as handling prize redemption.

“They work beside us all eight weeks of the summer,” Haggard said. “We’re able to do our job here because they’re able to do their job there.”

The mini-golf course will be open to young patrons and their guardians today, July 31, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Community Room.