Children love librarian's story-telling

Ask any mom of a toddler or preschooler in the Lake Norman area about what they like most about the Cornelius Branch Library, and you'll probably hear the answer "Mr. George."

They aren't referring to a book - they are referring to George Peterson. But he's known as "Mr. George" to the hundreds of kids in the community who are drawn to the story-time sessions he offers at the library, local schools, daycares and preschools.

It's not surprising to find story time at a library, but story time with "Mr. George" is anything but standard.

And families who have discovered "Mr. George" know they have a true treasure. Though it might not sound possible, Peterson manages to squeeze stretching, dancing, stories, songs, rhyming, singing, bubbles, stamps, stickers and the occasional craft, into 30 minutes.

Once you have experienced the phenomenon of "Mr. George," it might not surprise you to learn that Peterson got his start in radio. The booming voice that alters easily to match the personality of various book characters captures imagination of the children.

After graduating with a broadcast journalism degree from Edinboro University, this New Kensington, Pa., native wanted his own radio show.

Peterson, 33, was named announcer of the year at his college station, but radio was not where he was meant to be.

After relocating to Cornelius in 2003, Peterson found himself working with kids - something that surprised him.

He volunteered in his wife's classroom at Irwin Avenue Open Elementary in Charlotte. Then, Peterson discovered a secret. He loved making kids smile. What everyone else noticed is that Peterson was good at it - really good.

The principal at Irwin Avenue Open Elementary soon suggested that Peterson contact Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools about an assistant librarian position that was available. This turned into his first job at a library.

Over the past few years, he's moved through various branches and positions to end up at the Cornelius Branch Library as a senior library assistant who focuses on children's programs.

"I absolutely love watching kids smile - the best part of all of this is that it is my job to make them smile," says Peterson, who has a 3-year-old daughter, Ava.

Peterson loves the fact that so many kids show up each day. His comfort with kids comes through in everything he does.

"You aren't judged by kids - I can act like a complete fool and instead of them judging me, they light up and laugh," said Peterson.

Peterson also thinks about himself as a child when he's thinking of children's activities the library could offer. One of his additions is a book club for boys. "I didn't like reading what I was forced to read in school when I was younger," he said. "I would read anything sports-related, but I didn't like the more traditional books."

To encourage young boys to continue reading and to keep their interest, Peterson chooses books like "The Last Burp of Mac McGerp."

Whether it is the crowd that joins him for the "Young & Restless" story time, or the preschoolers who show up in pajamas early in the evening for the "Slumber Club," Peterson is just happy to be a part of each child's day.

He recalled a boy who returned home each month from story time at his school to tell his mom about the books Mr. George had read.

"I really love that I get to be a part of the process of passing that love for learning on to kids," Peterson said.