Columbus Icon Has Been Dressing Up Story Time For 20 Years
columbus-lowndes public library, culture, edwina williams, mother goose,
If you were to spot Edwina Williams on the street in Columbus, you might not recognize her or even take a second look. But if Mother Goose passed by, chances are you’d stop to chat.
Williams has been dressing up as Mother Goose at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library for more than 20 years, and is very recognizable in the community – as long as she is dressed up like the fairy tale character.
“Nobody knows Edwina,” Williams says. “I’ve been around a long time, and I’ve enjoyed every minute. I love being around children.”
She dresses up during story time and uses music and interaction with the kids to make learning fun. Williams instills manners, encourages good reading habits and helps the library facilitate a ceremony when children turn 5 and get their own library card. She also visits area schools on outreach programs. She is even starting to see the second generation come in to listen to her tell stories.
“She is not only the face of story time and the face of this library, she is a large part of the community,” says Ben Petersen, director of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library.
One of the largest reading programs in the state, Petersen says about 10,000 people attend every year.
“It’s a one-woman show, and it’s second to none from any that I know,” Petersen says.
Not to be tied down to just one character, Williams also dresses up as Mrs. Claus at Christmas and other characters during the year.
And though the kids only know her as Mother Goose (they even think she lives at the library), Williams is happy she is achieving her goal of instilling a love for reading.
“It makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something,” she says. “They are eager to learn and eager to listen.”
Photo by Staff Photo
