Raah Curry sat patiently Tuesday evening as she awaited the start of the Children's Library Inaugural Ball.

"It's history," the 7-year-old said. "I learned a lot about the president and what he does from school, TV and my mom. It's an important day because now we have a new president."

Raah was one of 35 children ages 5-9 who attended the ball, sponsored by the Augusta Headquarters Library. Twenty-five parents attended as well.

"This is such a big moment in American history," said Nancy Carver, the library's head of public services. "There are a lot of activities going on in the nation's capital, but we wanted to bring the festivities closer to home and give the children something to participate in. This is something that years from now, they can remember and say, 'I attended an inaugural ball.' "

The children and their parents watched a presentation about President Obama, sang God Bless America, took pictures with a cutout image of Mr. Obama and participated in a toast to the president -- with ginger ale, of course.

"We wanted to make it a ball that kids could enjoy and feel very much a part of," said Eileen McCoy, the children's librarian. "We included things that we feel they would find at the official balls in D.C."

Brian Green, of Augusta, who attended with his 7-year-old son, Brian II, said he believed children should be knowledgeable about their president.

"Though I didn't vote for him, it's important for children to be aware of current events and know information about him," he said. "My son followed both candidates and knew information about both, so this will just add to his knowledge."

Tracy and Khristy Murray brought their children and their children's friends to the ball on the insistence of their daughter Tianna, Mrs. Murray said.

"She has been following Barack since he announced he was running, and ever since she saw him speak in person she has really been interested in everything he does," Mrs. Murray said.

Tianna said that she had been excited all day.

"It was a really important day, a historic day," the 7-year-old said. "I'm glad he's our president because I think he'll do a lot of good things."