FREEPORT - When the Freeport Area Library relocated to Market Street in 1979, more children than adults were taking books out. However, as the years passed, that changed.

Pam Eberle, head librarian, said the children's circulation dropped to one-fifth the number of the adult circulation.

"We were worried that children weren't reading," Eberle said. "There were days when none came."

To reverse the trend of shrinking children's circulation, the library four months ago opened a children's room.

The strategy worked. Eberle said the number of children signing books out of the library has tripled. Of the 4,020 members, 1,015 are children.

Along with more furniture, the room provides easier access to the books, she said. Popular books, such as the series of the Berenstein Bears, are shelved together so younger readers can find what they want.

Books with Curious George remain the favorite selections.

Based on the reaction of the library's clientele, the new section is a hit. Donna Bolte of Butler brings her three grandchildren, who are ages 9 through 13, during the summer months.

Bolte said they were impressed with the changes.

"Wow, is it big," said one of the grandchildren upon entering the room.

Bolte credits the library for devoting the new room to children and continuing to offer special programs. Among the activities are reading to the younger patrons, and crafts.

Eberle is glad fund raising and donations paid for most of the $150,000 in renovations.

"It's amazing how nice people are and how excited they are (about the addition)," she said.

State money covered the remainder of the cost.

The library at 428 Market St. will show off its new room at an open house Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Eberle remembers the original library on High Street, which didn't have enough room for adult books, much less a children's section. Opened in 1935, the old library was one, small room.

Now, the library has two full-time employees and 25 volunteers.

The same type of community effort that led to the library's relocation made the new children's room possible.

"It's a lot of people working hard," Eberle said.

Hard work that's appreciated. Bolte said her grandchildren enjoy the reading the various selections: "I know they love it."