By Kathy Cheney, Branch Librarian
According to the online site US Dictionary, “the term 'mama bear' often refers to a mother who is extremely protective of her children or loved ones. It can be used to describe both human mothers and animal mothers.” Several years ago, one youth librarian at the Wyoming Branch of Kent District Library decided it was long past time for libraries to offer a group that supports new mothers and helps them settle into their new role. She researched and got training and started the very first KDL Mama Bear and Baby Cubs support group.
Since that time, three other branches have started their own support groups much to the delight of library users and moms throughout Kent County. The group uses a format with prompts and participants sitting in a circle that allows caregivers to share some of the successes and challenges of being a parent. The group is for adults, mostly mothers, and children are welcome to attend and play with developmentally appropriate toys, puzzles and games while their caregivers connect with other adults in the community. Parents are enthusiastic about meeting other parents.
Most of the participants have made a connection with another parent from the group and often group members will meet at the library or outside the library for play dates with their children and social interactions with the adults. KDL supports building community throughout each of the branches, and this group is a prime example of success in building those relationships. Knowing that others are going through some of the same things that they are has been extremely helpful to many parents who attend regularly.
Mama Bear and Baby Cubs takes place at the Grandville Branch on Mondays from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, at the Plainfield Twp. Branch on Tuesdays from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, at the Byron Twp. Branch on Tuesdays from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM and at the Wyoming Branch on Thursdays from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
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