From storybooks to snack-time elections, Odessa College’s Learning Resources Center is helping young learners build literacy skills while introducing them to the importance of civic engagement.

The Learning Resources Center (LRC) at Odessa College brought a little democracy to Storytime as its youngest visitors participated in their very own classroom election!

Little Wrangler and OC Librarian discuss voting on snacks

During the weekly '2 Snacks and a Lasso Storytime', the Children’s Center’s Older classroom, made up of Little Wranglers ages 3, 4, and 5, explored the importance of voting through books, conversation, and a hands-on activity that put their voices to the test.

The group read "I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference" by Mark Shulman and Serge Bloch, along with "Vote for Our Future!" by Margaret McNamara and Micah Player. The stories introduced the children to voting, why it matters, and the ways they can make a difference in their communities, even before they are old enough to cast a ballot.

Then, it was time to head to the polls!

Little Wrangler casting his ballot on snacks

The Little Wranglers voted on which snack their entire class would receive when leaving Storytime. With three delicious choices on the ballot, chocolate cookies, cheese crackers, and graham crackers, the students made their selections and waited for the results.

The winner? Chocolate cookies!

Board shows results of children voting during two snacks and a lasso.

While the sweet victory made for an exciting snack-time surprise, the activity offered something even more meaningful: an opportunity for children to see how elections work, practice making choices, and understand that every vote counts.

Beyond the excitement of the election, '2 Snacks and a Lasso Storytime' is part of the LRC’s ongoing commitment to supporting early literacy and school readiness.

Each week, children enjoy books and activities designed to strengthen literacy skills. They also have the opportunity to select a picture book from the LRC’s collection to check out and take home snacks to enjoy with their families.

“Storytime helps children develop early literacy, language, and school-readiness skills while introducing families to the resources and services available through the library,” said Robyn Millar, MLS, Odessa College Librarian. “Through books, conversation, and hands-on activities, children learn that reading is fun, build vocabulary and critical thinking skills, and practice important pre-kindergarten skills,” Millar said.

The program also supports parents and caregivers, helping them continue their children’s learning beyond the classroom.

“At the same time, parents are empowered as their child's first teacher and gain access to books and strategies that support learning at home,” Millar said.

Through engaging stories, creative activities, and opportunities to explore new ideas, the LRC is helping its youngest learners build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for future success.

And as the Little Wranglers discovered during their classroom election, learning can be fun, especially when every vote counts and cookies are on the ballot!

Interested in exploring more of what the LRC has to offer? Visit the Learning Resources Center at Odessa College to discover library resources, programs, and opportunities for learners of all ages. Find more inforamation by clicking here!