Tell Me A Story: Betty Croley’s ‘Miss Betty’s Toddler Time’ continues to positively impact children in Whitley County

From a young age, Betty Croley learned firsthand all about the important work that goes on inside the local library. Her mother, Joyce Freeman, was a librarian in Whitley County for 35 years. Now, as Croley herself is about to begin her 24th year as a full-time employee at the Whitley County Public Library, she feels that things have come full circle.

“When I was growing up, if I came into the library, it wasn’t to loaf,” Croley explained. “My mom always put me to work.”

Croley said she did a lot of book shelving and cataloging in those early days, but after she got married later in life she moved away to live and work in Cincinnati for 15 years. She eventually came home to Williamsburg, however, where she spent another 15 years working at Hollywood Video in downtown. Then the opportunity presented itself for her to return to where it all began.

“I started out part-time,” Croley said. “And when I got the opportunity to go full-time, I didn’t know how I’d feel about it. It was like my mom was there just pushing me along, though, and now I feel good every day knowing that she is watching over me.”

Since becoming a full-time employee at the Whitley County Public Library, Croley has hosted Miss Betty’s Toddler Time, a special reading program that is geared specifically toward young children. In addition to picking out particular books to read to kids each week, she also plans special themed craft projects and activities. It is work that she has remained passionate about for well over twenty years now.

“Sometimes, when I think about it, I feel like I just fell into my mother’s place,” Croley said. “I think that she would be happy that I’ve done this. I have really enjoyed it. My dad was still alive when I started here, and I know he was happy to see me come back to it.”

“Most every time that I am out shopping or something, I will see some of my toddlers who are older, but they still remember me,” Croley added. “Several times, I have come across toddlers that I had who are now grown, and are working themselves.”

Croley said that she has seen many of her Toddler Time regulars go on to be successful in a wide range of professions, including nursing, teaching, and there have even been a couple who have decided to become librarians themselves.

Croley understands the importance of introducing children to reading at a young age, and what that means for their development throughout their school years, and beyond. It is important work, and something that she doesn’t plan on walking away from anytime soon.

“I lost my husband in 2017,” Croley said. “A lot of my family tells me to quit working, and to spend some time doing other things while I still can, but when I go home I am just not satisfied. I don’t think I’d be happy if I retired. I would rather be here, doing something that I like. It keeps me happy.”

Croley invites parents and grandparents to bring their young children to an upcoming Miss Betty’s Toddler Time meeting. The weekly program takes place each Friday at 10 a.m. in the children’s library area of the Whitley County Public Library. Toddler Time themes will be announced in advance in the News Journal’s Community Events calendar, and online at www.whitleylibrary.org.

In addition to their children’s programs, the Whitley County Public Library also has resources and programs available for patrons of all ages. Visit them at 285 S 3rd Street in downtown Williamsburg or call (606) 549-0818 to learn more.