WIESBADEN, Germany -- Young ladies and their dolls turned out in force for a giant tea party at the Wiesbaden Library Feb. 16. The 27 girls, ages 6 and older, were on hand to inaugurate the first of a new series of "American Girl" socials to be held every third Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. at the library.
"The girls were very well behaved," said Joyce Schloesser, who volunteered to host the new series.
After welcoming the girls and introducing herself as "Grandma Joyce," Schloesser explained that the monthly get-togethers are a chance for girls to become better acquainted with one another, share information about each other's dolls, enjoy artwork, stories and tea time.
"I just love kids - these ladies have energy and enthusiasm," Schloesser said. "I know their dolls are very precious to them."
"I started reading the American Girl books in the second grade," said Brie Osadnick, who volunteered to help organize the social. "I like them because they have adventures and they're real."
The books, which feature a different young protagonist in each novel set in a historical time period, explore different aspects of family life and social issues.
During the first get-together the young ladies spent time socializing and listening to Grandma Joyce read "Kirsten's Surprise," a story set in 1854 Minnesota.
"Each doll comes with a book that tells a story," said Claudia Welch, whose daughter owns the Molly doll. "She got Molly ("Molly McIntire" -- a story set in 1944) because in the story Molly's dad goes to World War II - like her dad (Chief Warrant Officer 3 Billy Joseph Welch) went off to Afghanistan."
Several American Girl books are available for check-out at the library, according to library technician Marco Marques. "This is a good opportunity for young readers to come in and use the online resources to develop their research skills," he said.
The next American Girl social is set to be held March 16 at the library, but library officials said the reservation list is already fairly lengthy. People can call (0611-705-1740) or stop by the library for more information.
Social Sharing