Though some enjoy mystery novels, and others have a penchant for biographies, Renee Reel doesn't limit herself to just one genre.

"I read a little bit of everything," said Ms. Reel, whose voracious appetite for reading led her to a career in which she is surrounded by books.

She took over as the children's assistant at Nancy Carson Library on Sept. 8.

Ms. Reel said she has loved books for as long as she can remember and wants to instill that same love in children.

A 1995 graduate of Strom Thurmond High School, Ms. Reel started thinking about a career in libraries while she was still in high school.

Her study hall was a little on the dull side, she said, so she volunteered in the library. She started her professional library career as a circulation clerk in the Edgefield public library about seven years ago.

Her duties in Edgefield included conducting storytimes and helping with the summer reading program. She started a young-adult program there, too.

Storytimes in Edgefield drew small crowds. "There are a limited amount of children in Edgefield who can attend storytime," she said.

Having 20 children in storytimes each Wednesday at Nancy Carson thrilled Ms. Reel.

"I've never done toddler time," she said. "I'm still learning how to make that interesting for them."

To assist in her second storytime at Nancy Carson on Wednesday, Ms. Reel enlisted the aid of George, a golden retriever puppet. He seemed to be a hit with the preschool crowd. The children had to tell him goodbye as they left, she said.

In addition to the storytimes each Wednesday, Ms. Reel has activities planned for elementary school-age children. There will be a children's activity at 4:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20, that will focus on Egyptology.

"Mummies are a good topic around Halloween," she said.

Even though this summer has just ended, several months away, Ms. Reel already is planning for next year's summer reading program.

"I know the 2007 theme is 'Get a Clue,'" she said. "I've got some ideas the younger kids will enjoy."

Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.