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The Andalusia Public Library will introduce four community helpers to local children at its morning Story Time event beginning Friday, Sept. 23, and ending Friday, Oct. 28.

“October is Fire Prevention Month, so we take the fall of each year to introduce firefighters and other heroes that help our community. Each week’s Story Time will showcase topics to educate preschoolers and their grown-ups. We look forward to seeing the children’s faces with people who make a difference each and every day in our community,” Children’s Librarian Caryl Lee Ray said.

Mail carrier Vicki Coleman will be the first community helper to speak to children on Sept. 23. “She explains everything from the path a letter takes to be delivered to how a mailman dresses. Children will also have the opportunity to tour the mail truck.”

LBW’s mascot Blue will discuss food safety during the following week on Sept. 30. “He will demonstrate good things to eat and bad things such as poisons to stay away from. Blue helps to present an important lesson for preschoolers in a non-scary way.”

The Andalusia Fire Department will be in attendance to share valuable information regarding fire safety on Oct. 7.

“We are excited about having our local firemen join us for the first Friday of October. They will talk with children about smoke detectors, meeting spots, crawling under smoke, and how not to hide from firemen. The little kids will also have the chance to explore the fire truck. I like for the children to watch the fireman put on his uniform. This allows them to see the man in front of them with all the equipment on is still the same person as before. He is not someone to run and hide from,” she said.

The theme for Oct. 14 and 21 will highlight safety measures around strangers.

“We will use puppets, books, and Little Red Riding Hood to discuss ‘sneaky people’ or strangers in a non-threatening way. Covington County Sheriff Blake Turman will be with us on the 21st and explain how he helps to keep little people safe.”

Ray added that there would be a “not scary” Halloween party with a puppet show and children showing off their favorite costumes on Oct. 28.

“My goal is to raise safety awareness and help ensure that homes and families in Andalusia are protected. In the event of a serious situation, these little ones will know how to call 911. They will know how to run to a fireman and identify ‘sneaky people.’ These lessons are not scary but perfect for children.”

The Andalusia Public Library is located at 212 South Three Notch Street and is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information email library@cityofandalusia.com or call 334-222-6612.

“I want little ones to know that there are people all around Andalusia committed to keeping them safe. The mailman, firemen, police, teachers, and even librarians are more than community helpers. They are community heroes,” Ray said.