PBS Kids host Miss Rosa was a special guest at the Albert Lea Public Library on Tuesday. Nearly 200 kids, parents and caregivers attended the “Morning Story Time with Miss Rosa.” The attendees included children from area child care centers who arrived on buses, thanks to Glen Sherburn, South Minnesota Lube Co., who provided the funds to cover the cost of the bus transportation.

Children’s Librarian Patty Greibrok helped coordinate the program with KSMQ, whose camera crew was on hand to tape the program. Children were lined up at the door for the 10 a.m. program and when they were informed that there might be a delay, one parent replied, “that’s all right. We’ve been waiting all week” and everyone agreed the program was well worth the wait.

After Miss Rosa’s story time, she stood at the door and shook hands, high-fived, or hugged each child who attended the program. If parents or caregivers were present she graciously posed for pictures with their children. Each child that attended also received a “goody” bag that was filled with information, stickers and temporary tattoos.

Miss Rosa is a certified teacher of Costa Rican and Puerto Rican descent. She is bilingual; speaking flawless English and Spanish. During mornings on PBS Kids, Miss Rosa introduces preschoolers to Spanish words and phrases that are related to the theme of the day.

Jennifer Pen, who plays Miss Rosa, started acting professionally at the age of 9, when she landed a role in the Touchstone film, “Ernest Saves Christmas.” She has successfully made the transition to an adult actor. A few of her recent credits include commercial spots for Universal Studios, ADT security Systems, Florida Power and Light, and the film, “Larry the Cable Guy — Health Inspector.”

KSMQ Public Television received one of five national Public Broadcasting Service grants that sponsored Miss Rosa’s visit in southern Minnesota. The Albert Lea Public Library program “Morning Story Time with Miss Rosa” was one of those visits; Miss Rosa also appeared at Rochester’s Family Fun Night at Graham Arena. The library staff were pleased she was able to spend Cinco De Mayo in southern Minnesota.

The Albert Lea Public Library is grateful to KSMQ and their staff for bring this exciting event to Albert Lea. To learn more about Pen, the library invites you to visit its homepage, www.alplonline.org and click on “Podcast” to hear an interview.