Story time at the Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library, a tradition through generations for some local families, has not missed a beat through the transition to a new children’s librarian.

Julie Bryan, formerly a part-timer at the library, took over when Lottie Walker retired June 30 after 31 years in the position.

“I never watched Miss Lottie do story time, so I’m not sure what she did, but I’m loving working with the kids,” Bryan said. “I’m still kind of feeling my way.”

Wednesday, Bryan led a group of toddlers and kids in singing “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider” and “If You’re Happy” before settling them down to listen as she read “Happy New Year, Herbie Bear.” Then they all colored and decorated New Year’s hats.

Bryan allows the kids to be comfortable, participating or not. Mothers and grandmothers are on hand to help and chase after straying toddlers.

Holly Loper, 33, said she takes her 22-month-old son, Whitt, each Wednesday. “We love to come,” she said. “It’s usually all boys, and it gets a little bit wild.”

Loper’s husband, Vicksburg veterinarian Tony Loper, grew up listening to Walker read stories at the library, and the Lopers made sure to carry the tradition into the next generation, as has Ashley Mason, 32, with her son, Adler, 5, and daughter Hazel, 2.

“They love story time,” said Mason, who has been taking Adler since he was 4 months old. “She loves to sing, and he loves to do the crafts.”

A larger group usually attends the Tuesday session, Bryan said.

“She loves doing stories and has handled the transition beautifully,” said library director Deb Mitchell. “When you step into the shoes of someone who has been there for such a long time, it can be a hard job.”

Mitchell said Bryan, a former kindergarten teacher, has brought her experience with young children, creativity, planning skills and high energy to the position. “Plus she is just a nice person. She has fit in well with our staff,” Mitchell said.

A native of Tylertown, Bryan, 39, is a graduate of Belhaven College and received a master’s of education at William Carey University. She taught at Tylertown Primary School for 11 years before marrying and moving to Vicksburg three years ago. Her husband, Edward, is a management analyst with the Vicksburg District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who has four children from a previous marriage. The youngest is a senior in high school, Bryan said.

Before stepping in as children’s librarian, Bryan assisted in both the audio-visual and children’s departments and had filled in when Walker was out on medical leave in 2010, said Mitchell.

“It’s worked out well for us,” she added. “We are very happy with her and hope she will be with us for a long time.”

In addition to preparing for weekly toddler story time and craft sessions, Bryan is planning 2012 activities. Summer usually includes a story time for school-age children plus the annual Summer Reading Program that challenges participants to set reading goals and be rewarded with a party.

She hopes to start an evening story time for families, she said, perhaps anchored on varying themes.

She’s also thinking about enlisting local teachers to display their students’ work at the library. It would help her meet the challenge of keeping the children’s area decorated, but also draw kids in and get them involved.

In the meantime, she’s enjoying her new role.

“Miss Lottie has big shoes to fill,” she said, “but she’s enjoying her retirement so I’m glad for her.”