There’s a popular story around these parts about a Youth Services Librarian named Kate Spratt, or Cactus Kate if you’re in the know. What started as a weekly hora del cuento (bilingual story time) at the Enka-Candler library branch has evolved into what is sure to become a myth of its own – the famous cactus chair. But to understand this, you need to know the origins of Cactus Kate.
Branch Manager Erin Parcels says they wanted to create a customized chair for bilingual story time and it draws inspiration from Kate’s home state of Arizona. “We started brainstorming what the new chair could look like and found a photo of Valentina Gonzalez Wohlers' Prickly Pair Chairs,” says Erin. “We loved the visually striking sculpture-like nature of the chairs, and since Kate loves cacti and is from Arizona, it made sense for us to use that as inspiration.”
Of course, the legend of Cactus Kate and her chair help get kids excited and interested in reading and language skills. “Presenting early literacy programs in Spanish and English is a great way for families who speak Spanish to participate and for families who don't speak Spanish to learn new vocabulary, stories, and songs. We want our youngest patrons and their families to always feel welcomed and included in programs,” explains Erin.
As for Cactus Kate, she says her journey from telling stories in Arizona to rustling up yarns for kids at the Enka-Candler branch is something that draws from her childhood. “I love being able to present story times in English and Spanish because I grew up in a city that uses both languages. I previously presented bilingual story times at the Oakley-South Asheville Branch in Buncombe County and at Phoenix Public Library in my home state of Arizona,” explains Kate. “I think that it's really important to use multiple languages whenever possible when interacting with families at the library and in the community. I grew up in the Southwest and studied Spanish, so I was excited to get to share songs and stories from my hometown with families in Buncombe County. Using multiple languages connects all of us.”
With the bilingual story time gaining popularity, the arrival of the newly created cactus chair will help add even more mystique to numerous family-friendly activities at the Enka-Candler branch. “We will use the cactus chair for all early literacy programs including weekly hora del cuento and baby story times. I'm excited for children to meet the artist and see artwork of this caliber outside of a museum - right in their own community,” exclaims Cactus Kate, noting that local artist Laura Kearney is the one who created the unique and cactus-themed chair (generously paid for by the Friends of the Enka-Candler Library). “Overall, I'm just amazed that this collaboration is happening and that we will have a magnificent piece of functional artwork that children and families can see up close on a regular basis.”
Kate says she’s excited about the existing enthusiasm for the bilingual story time and hopes the chair continues to grow the legend of not just Cactus Kate, but how literacy programs can foster important skills for children while bringing cultures together. “I love being on the Enka-Candler Library team and I'm so thankful that I get to be a part of projects like this one. The cactus chair is extra poignant for me because it's designed with my hometown in mind. I can't wait for the families to see the chair,” says Kate.
The chair was officially revealed during a ceremony on May 29 and can be seen by anyone visiting the Enka-Candler Library.
Hora del cuento (bilingual story time) information
You can attend the weekly event every Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Enka-Candler Library. For information about additional story times and other events where you can see the cactus chair, click here to see the events calendar.
There is also a bilingual story time at the Skyland/South Buncombe Library on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. You can see more about that branch’s activities and events here.