While Family Day was in full swing on Main Street on Friday, many other children were heading over to the Austin Public Library in hopes of catching a glimpse of their favorite cuddly red dog.

Monday, July 09, 2001

While Family Day was in full swing on Main Street on Friday, many other children were heading over to the Austin Public Library in hopes of catching a glimpse of their favorite cuddly red dog.

Clifford, the Big Red Dog – familiar to many, made a special visit to the library as part of the fifth annual Reading on the Green.

Children’s librarian Maureen Steenblock explained that it was Clifford’s first trip to the library.

"Every year, we have Reading on the Green," Steenblock said. "Clifford was an added feature."

Steenblock said that KSMQ-TV contacted the library and told them Clifford would be in the area.

Many children were very excited to see the cuddly creature.

Six-year-old Alex Gerstner was one.

"I liked it when I hugged him," Gerstner said.

Children were treated to a Clifford video before a meet-and-greet with the red dog.

In addition to Clifford’s visit, state Sen. Grace Schwab (R-Albert Lea) visited the library as well to read to children.

Like Clifford, this was also Schwab’s first visit to the library, and one she was pleased with.

"I was asked by the library to read and this was a neat way to start," Schwab said.

Schwab also was impressed by the number of children and parents in attendance.

"It’s amazing to see this kind of turnout," she said. "It shows how much Austin values their children."

Call Melissa Bregani at 434-2236 or e-mail her at newsroom@austindailyherald.com.