THOMASVILLE — The Thomasville Junior Service League hosted their first Character Day at the Thomas County Public Library on Saturday, reading storybooks to children and raising money for the library’s interactive play table.

According to JSL Vice- President Danisha Carter, the league was inspired to hold a Character Day, when one of their members offered up costumes from their character business.

“We were looking to do more events in the community geared toward kids and she has a business that has all these costumes, so we thought why not do a character day,” Carter said. “Kids love Elsa and Paw Patrol, so it gave them an activity to do.”

The characters took turns greeting the children and reading them children’s books, while accepting donations for both the library and JSL.

The money raised goes toward kid’s programs at the library and kid’s programs at the JSL,” Carter said.

The library is looking to spend the money on a children’s play table.

According to Children’s Manager Amanda Redker, the Thomas County Public Library is in the midst of raising funds for an interactive play table that comes with preloaded games for multiplayer fun.

“These tables are tailored to the environment they are set in and will be geared toward 2-11 year-olds,” Redker said.

Redker explained these play tables are popping up across the United States, even in Disney World, where kids can play on them while their parents check in.

However, educational establishments such as HeadStart also have play tables that are geared toward learning games.

Redker said the library has already received a few donations and with the help of the JSL this past weekend, they are one step closer to their goal of having a play table for children at the library.

She said her hope is to have the table purchased within the next few months, but the price will all depend on the size and the electronic games installed.

The JSL also has their funds set aside for kid’s programs, specifically their eyeglass program.

“Kids who need assistance paying for their eyeglass exam and a pair of eyeglasses is something that we do,” Carter said. “The money does go toward that program.”

While the JSL wasn’t sure what to expect for their first Character Day, they were pleasantly surprised with the turnout.

“When I walked out there, there were so many kids out there,” Carter said. “It made me feel good that people saw the postings and that the JSL is doing programs that parents want to bring their kids to.”

Carter said with the excitement from the community, she believes this will definitely be an annual event for the JSL.

“We really appreciate everyone who supported the JSL and this is something we hope to do once a year, if not more,” she said. “It’s nice seeing the support of the community and we’re glad that it was a good turnout with all the kids here.”

Carter added that the JSL is currently looking for more members to help them with activities in the community and encouraged anyone interested to contact them on their Facebook page.