Underneath the cozy blanket fort, two little girls, ages six and seven, sit whispering, giggling, and braiding each other’s hair while trading secrets.

Their impressive blanket fort is composed of numerous couch-cushions, patchwork sheets, brown moving boxes, and the fluffiest of pillows.

 Inside the fort, a collection of books, Barbies, animated DVD’s, stuffed animals, cookies, and popcorn kernels lay in a disarray all over the floor. 

Wearing lavender and pink glittery chiffon dresses, the girls each hold magic wands and have tiaras perched on the tops of their heads.

As the clock strikes midnight, the two girls are beyond tired. They begin to close their fluttering little eyelids as they lay their heads down on their princess-themed pillows, and they fall fast asleep dreaming of ponies and fairytales.

The Ashland Public library is doing something a little different this year, as they are hosting their first-ever family reading night.

The idea for this event came to the library staff about a month ago, during one of their daily meetings.

“It is actually an after-hours event, so families will have run of the library, and they will get to build forts in the library,” youth services coordinator at the library, Hayley Tracy-Bursley, said. “I don’t think we have ever done that [before].”

 The library’s staff thought it would not only be a creative source of entertainment for the children, but it could also help strengthen parent-child relationships.

“It is kind of unusual- we have done some teen programs after-hours, but we have really not done families with kids,” the youth and outreach manager at the library, Brenda Guggenbiller, said. “I am sure that the kids will think it is really cool to be here.”

During this event, children and families alike will have the opportunity to eat gooey campfire s’mores, build blanket-forts, read books, and participate in fun games and activities.

“It provides an opportunity for parents of children to come together and have some fun,” Tracy-Bursley said. “Hopefully, it will instill positive literacy experiences and create a love of reading in children.”

Children will get to listen to a variety of stories, including Scare a Bear by Kathy-jo Wargin, Sheep Take a Hike by Nancy Shaw, and Into the Outdoors by Susan Gal, among others.

“One of the things that we take pride in, is that we offer a variety of programs for families; everything we offer is free,” Guggenbiller said. “So, it is really one of the best sources for free entertainment for families with children and adults, too.”

The event will take place on the main floor of the library on Sept. 16 from 5-7 p.m.  

All children and families are welcome to attend. Individuals are encouraged to bring their own sheets and blankets to build forts with; although all other items and activities are provided for.

For more information, visit http://www.ashland.lib.oh.us/calendar.