Children horse around at library

Whether it’s through books, technology or activities, learning can surface any moment at Naperville Public Library. Learning can even come about while galloping on a hobby horse throughout the library, a perfect setting to stirrup some fun.

In partnership with Naper Settlement, the Giddy Up children’s program allows kids to saddle up and discover how horses helped pioneers settle the prairie lands. Two hands-on programs will take place at 4:15 p.m. May 12 at Nichols Library and 4:15 p.m. May 19 at 95th Street Library. During the programs, children will learn about how to care for a horse, how horses helped settlers relocate, and they will even get to ride a hobby horse.

“It’s a fun history lesson for preschoolers and elementary school children,” said Anna Di Cosola, learning experiences coordinator at Naper Settlement. “In today’s modern suburbia, children don’t often have an opportunity to see horses. It’s important for children to understand the different events, trends and movements that helped to shape the history of Illinois and the United States and how the past influences people’s lives today. Horses helped settlers move to Illinois and made work easier in the 1800s. Horses also served as a primary form of transportation before the automobile.”

During a recent Giddy Up program at Naper Blvd. Library, kids had fun making crafts and riding a wooden hobby horse around in a parade. Di Cosola said she was happy to see kids playing while learning.

“I am excited to report that we reached a total of 24 guests on Tuesday,” Di Cosola said. “Children ranging in ages from 4 to 7 years old were engaged and had a great time.”

Registration for the two upcoming Giddy Up programs is available online at www.naperville-lib.org.