Weekly Story Hour Gets New Host

There will be a new host of the popular weekly story hour for children at Barrington Books.

Margie O’Brien Reed, a former TV reporter, will take over the Thursday morning slot from children's book author Anika Denise, said Jennifer Massotti, store manager.

"Margie has been telling stories for over 17 years," Massotti said. "Many of you may have heard them and even seen Margie as she was a local reporter and anchor on the ABC and NBC stations. 

"Her job, everyday, was to find a topic that was compelling  -  some nugget that would educate and enlighten viewers.  Margie’s secret goal as a reporter was to tell a story that would make someone stop and think ... craft a story that might actually change someone’s day or better yet, their life."

Over her career, said Massotti, "Margie was nominated for an Emmy Award, met amazing people, learned about so many different things and had a whole lot of fun doing it.

"Margie has always been an avid reader," Massotti added. "She inherited a deep love of books from her mom who worked at local libraries.  Mom taught her to befriend, even fall in love with characters and to let books take you away to a magical reality.  Margie welcomes the way books have the power to change your perspective.

"Margie has closed her reporter notebook – for now," said Massotti. "But she is still telling stories …. mostly, at bedtime. Her daughter, Delaney is a new reader and together, the two of them devour books at night. She often alternates reading pages with her son, Cole, so he can better understand the nuances of his latest and challenging book. And her last order of business of the day is usually getting her oldest son, Camden, to place the bookmark in and save the next chapter for tomorrow.

"Margie is thrilled to be part of Barrington Books and is especially excited to meet her new group of fellow book-lovers on Thursday mornings," said Massotti.

Story hour is held weekly at 10:30 am in the children’s area of Barrington Books in the Barrington Shopping Plaza. For additional information, call Massotti at 401-245-7925.