She's holds one of the most crowded story times around Austin-we're talking 30-40 toddlers at a time!-yet few people know her real name. For Nancy Tays, her true identity is almost an unknown alter ego: in library circles, she's simply "Miss Nancy."

The kids who crowd into her storytimes listen, which is no small feat for little ones; they also sing and follow Miss Nancy's instructions in a manner that doesn't often happen at library storytimes (or anywhere else, for that matter). When asked why the kids do this, Tays is at a loss for words.

"Every one of us [youth librarians] has a different style of presentation and there's an audience for everyone," she says.

Tays modestly attributes her popularity and effect on the kids to her branch location: she reads at the Milwood Branch Library, which is ideal for Northwest Austin families-especially given that the Spicewood Branch Library is closed-as well as those who live in Cedar Park and Round Rock.

But her unique style also draws a diverse crowd: at one storytime, which focused on family, Tays asked the children and their parents to write on a poster what names they use for "grandmother" and "grandfather." English and Spanish aside, there were names in Arabic, Danish, Greek, Hindi, Japanese, Tamil, Turkish and Vietnamese.

Tays stayed at home with her children for several years before pursuing a career in library science. When her own children entered school, Tays also went back, determined to do something that involved her two loves: music and children.

Tays started shelving books part-time at her local branch library in Irving while in school. She received her undergraduate degree in English; along the way, she moved into various positions at the library, culminating in a position as circulation manager. She had developed a love for her work at the library and was strongly encouraged by co-workers to pursue a Masters in Information Science.

Tays is now one of three youth librarians serving six Austin branches. They work as a team to develop the youth programs. Tays describes her co-workers as talented and committed to Austin-area children. In addition to developing and hosting storytimes twice a week, Tays is responsible for the collection and development of juvenile and young adult literature for the Austin area.

But it's her storytimes that have made her beloved with Austin-area kids-and parents too.

"I want to impart my love of reading to the kids," says Tays, who believes that reading is the key to their future. "I can't wait [to go to work] because I love what I do."

For more information on Austin Public Library programs for children, log on to: www.cityofaustin.org/library