Wally finds himself in the library

– Wally (aka Les Davies)

The invitation was too hot to refuse.

“Would I be (Where’s) Wally at Kiama Library?” asked Wizard Whitebeard (aka librarian Sharon Jones).

“Just holiday activities for an hour or two with 40 energetic children?”

Your qualifications Les? Lean and lanky? Yep. Sense of humour? Okay. Love of literature? Oui. Affinity with the youngsters? Three-score years or more.

Fast forward...

Bedecked in Wally’s unique garb I checked beanie, black-framed specs, hiking stick etc as I took in last-minute advice from the lady librarians re hair and demeanour.

The chants of “Where’s Wally?” reverberated through the book aisles, reaching a crashing crescendo as they beckoned me ever closer to the Junior section.

Budding Wallies and Wallettes were patiently seated, awaiting words from this worldly-wise traveller.

I was “Just off the train and a bit tired of travelling”.

There was a Wally folly or two as I downloaded my backpack after the intro by Sharon Whitebeard. We were then immersed in a fun web.

The light to the eyes of young children, that anticipation of fun activities brings, is unsurpassed.

Throw books, stencils, badges, balloons and lollies into the mix and the result is always gratifying to this walking travelogue.

Instructions. Questions? Everybody know what to do? A traveller’s check perhaps?

Groups of all ages scanned for Wally signs, passing by computer-users who were unfazed as they did their own searches for emails, literature, or love.

Helpful parents joined the fray as word puzzles, pin the glasses on Wally, colouring and cutting took us to a fun finale of sorts.

Colouring-in competition prizes went to Liam Case, Vienna Witz, Finn Fennelly and Benjamin Healey. “Well done!” from Wally.

Thank you Kiama Library for the many activities and facilities that wallies like me can access so easily in your unique and friendly style.

Thank you Whitebeard. Gracias boys and girls.

I’m off to Espana in two weeks. Adios.