Young readers marveled at the red-and-white flashing lights of an ambulance Tuesday at the Dowagiac District Library, kicking off the “Dream Big, READ” program’s first story time.

An emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic from Pride Care Ambulance joined a few young readers to discuss what ambulances do. After a reading of “Ambulances,” written by Carol K. Lindeen, children’s librarian Alma Adams led kids to the parking lot where an ambulance was waiting.

“We’re always excited to show kids what we do on a daily basis,” Max Streeter, EMT with Pride Care, said. “An opportunity like this allows us to alleviate any fears kids may have in case we may have to show up in their driveway one day.”

Paramedic Chris Habel helped direct the children into the back of the ambulance where Streeter explained how a stretcher operates and what medical instruments are housed in the vehicle.

Sue Wilder brought her granddaughters, Sara and Jillian Torbet, of Dowagiac, to explore the ambulance and support the reading program, that began June 2.

“We enjoy all of the programs the library has,” Wilder said. “They’ve been excited for a while about this particular story time.”

Sara said she couldn’t wait to see the ambulance, try the stretcher and learn about the oxygen mask on board.

“I want to be a doctor someday and work in a hospital,” Sara said.

Streeter said he and Habel were happy to help children better understand emergency medical response teams.

“This helps a lot with the younger children who may be afraid of what an ambulance is and why people are in them,” Streeter said.

The “Dream Big, READ” summer reading program will continue through July. For details of daily activities, check the community calendar online or in each issue of the Daily News. For more information or to join the program, call the Dowagiac District Library at (269) 782-3826.