A glimpse inside Hop, Skip & Jump in Aguila, AZ

Local children’s author Rodo Sofranac

Mother’s Day 2007 is an anniversary of sorts for Librarian William Dudley. It marks the day 9 years ago when he started to work as Librarian and Small Branch Manager of the Aguila, AZ Branch Library, part of the Maricopa County Library District. Located about 30 minutes west of Wickenburg, Aguila is a rural town with a population of around 700 people.

An observant man with a quick, caring smile, William bustles about his duties at the library with a watchful eye. He assists patrons to find a book, recommends the latest “summer reads” and helps students find references for a book report.

Before the Hop, Skip & Jump into Summer Reading activities began, William stated that he feels like a parent or guardian to some of the kids who have been reading and learning at the Library for years.

Librarian William Dudley

“This Library has many languages and dialects,” he noted, “It’s somewhat like being in a foreign country with different nationalities. Your success is based on how you cooperate with others, what you achieve and how well you work with others.”

As the program began, William admitted he was not entirely sure how the music and authors’ readings would be received. Once the program was underway, William laughed and participated alongside with the kids and other adults!

“I see how it all comes together now!” William exclaimed, “Music is just another type of language! I enjoyed watching how young people moved, wriggled, crawled on the floor and clapped their hands to Marching with Bears. The Unicorn, and The Ants Go Marching Two By Two.”

Throughout the hot summer afternoon, youth enjoyed snacks and cool drinks in between the authors reading and the musical interludes. They also received free books to take home, many picking out books for younger siblings.