Keeping with the super-powered theme of this year’s rendition of the library’s summer reading program, the kids gathered upstairs at the Dowagiac District Library saw the abilities of one of their friendly neighborhood heroes up-close Tuesday morning

Equipped with a giant tooth and an equally enormous toothbrush to clean it with, dental hygienist Karla Steinman gave the children a demonstration on the powers wielded by the men and women at their local dentists office.

The Dowagiac woman even showed them how they can keep their own set of teeth in tip-top condition, to aid their team of dentists in their valiant fight against the forces of tooth decay.

Steinman was the first person to participate in the library’s upcoming series of special guest storytime events. From now until the end of the summer reading program in August, the children’s library will be inviting members of the local community to read to children, sharing what they do for them and their parents in the process.

“The kids will get the chance to see other adults in the community talk about the importance of reading, not just from us at library,” said Director Matt Weston.

Children’s Librarian Alma Adams devised the idea of sprucing up the library’s regular storytime sessions for the summer, Weston said. Bringing in local “heroes,” such as local firefighters or police officers, dovetails nicely into the heroic theme of this year’s summer program, Weston said.

Steinman read a couple of books to the children based around caring for teeth that morning, including Dr. Seuss’ “The Tooth Book.” She also brought a couple of props, which she used to demonstrate proper brushing techniques.

One of the people on Adams’ list of speakers, the Dowagiac woman was elated when she received the phone call asking if she wanted to participate in this year’s program, she said. The dental hygienist, who recently retired from the dental offices of Dr. Matt Cripe after 15 years of employment there, was excited for the opportunity to share her own love of reading with local children.

“I just love kids,” she said.

Through reading, kids and adults, are presented with near infinite opportunities to pick up new skills and learn more about the world around them, Steinman said.

“If you’ve got a love and appreciation for books, the world is yours,” she said.

The special story time events take place inside the children’s library at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday, and run through the end of July. For more information, people can visit the library at 211 Commercial St., or by calling (269) 782-3826.