Belton Children’s Book Week observed by library, Parks and Recreation

By Michele Weisman

The Belton Journal

The Lena Armstrong Belton Library held its first Belton Children’s Book Week, sponsored by Friends of the Belton Public Library.

On Tuesday, November 4, day two of the reading week, was Creekside Stories. Two books were read aloud at Nolan Creek.



Adam Trujillo, recreation superintendent with Parks and Recreation, read the books to the children. Lauren Gombert, library coordinator, and Aubree Kasten, library clerk, gathered the families first in front of The Gin before moving to Nolan Creek.

BELTON JOURNAL/Michele Weismann

Adam Trujillo, Lauren Gommert, Aubree Kasten hold the books featured at Creekside Stories. Two books were read aloud at Nolan Creek.

Trujillo sat at the small rock amphitheater, and families sat in a semicircle facing him with a backdrop of the river.

Trujillo read Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis and Explorers of the Wild by Cale Atkinson.

Just under ten families — about a dozen children — attended the readings. Inspired by the stories, children and families were encouraged to explore nature by the creek.

Friends of Belton Library provided funds for the library to purchase hundreds of copies of Stuart Little that were distributed at all BISD elementary schools. Free copies were also available at the Belton Library.

“And so, the idea is the community will all read the book around the same time. And then we have the movie in the park this Saturday,” Gombert said.

According to Kasten, this was Belton Library’s first off-premises event for kids.

The Belton Public Library will also have activities during the upcoming Christmas on the Chisholm Trail. Beginning Dec. 1, Belton Library hours will change to Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In December, Parks and Rec, working with Texas Parks and Wildlife, will stock Nolan Creek with rainbow trout for two fishing opportunities. Follow Belton Parks and Recreation on Facebook for official announcements.