A TALK with activities by Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteer Hannah Hunt drew interest from parents and children alike at last Saturday’s story time session at the Beechworth Library.

For local resident Stephanie Eagle it’s fantastic to have different people within the community coming to see the kids.

Stephanie with her two-and-a-half-year-old toddler Amelia De Freitas joined last Saturday’s 10am time slot for an hour.

“It's great to have community connections and to realise what's out there in the community for both for myself and the kids,” she said.

“The kids loved playing with the equipment.

“I think Amelie might be inspired to be a fiery one day as she loved the light and trying on the hats."

Stephanie Eagle said the library’s story time sessions for youngsters is great for social development.

“They see other kids their age and can interact with them and it's good for the kids to grow a love of reading,” she said.

Another parent, Isabelle Carr from Melbourne, said stories are valuable for kids and littlies.

“Seeing other children is helpful too, it was a lovely morning and lots of fun,” she said.

“It's wonderful to be able to come up from Melbourne and feel like we can be part of the community as well.”

Beechworth Fire Brigade had joined the session as the library plays a vital role in community connections.

Librarian Margaret Citroen said around 15 adults and 16 children took part.

“It’s really lovely for a Saturday morning as people have other things on too," she said.

Margaret said Saturday morning story times held once a month drew a regular crowd.

“It’s an opportunity for people who work to be able to come and still do those things that other people can do during the week,” she said.

“It was great to us to have Hannah here this morning.

“She explained that she just likes to show kids what she would look like if, in the unfortunate event, she needed to go to their place, and she wouldn't look quite so scary because she had all her fire protection gear on.

“She's just dressed up to protect herself and it was a great session.”

The next story time sessions for youngsters with a Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteer will be held in the library at 10am on Monday, 16 June and at the same time on Friday, 27 June.