One step inside the Whitehall Library last Saturday and patrons knew something was different. The usual hushed tones and click of computer keys were replaced with giggles of delight as the entire library was transformed into a life-size Candyland game board for children.

Zachary Auel, 2, said his favorite part was dipping a pretzel into a chocolate fountain designed to represent Candyland's chocolate swamp.

"I guess you can tell from his face," said his father, Chris Auel, pointing to the chocolate smudges on his son's face.

The Valentine's Day event was coordinated by children's librarian Kristin Burniston, who worked with library staff and numerous volunteers to re-create many of the scenes and characters from the classic 1950s-era Candyland board game.

"It's been a big collaborative effort." Ms. Burniston said.

She is hopeful events like this one will generate interest and increase foot traffic at the library.

"I think, especially with the economy the way it is, people need to know [the library] is more than just books," Ms. Burniston said. "It's also a place in the community for people to meet."

Michelle Kilburn takes advantage of the many programs offered at Whitehall Public Library.

"We love the library. We're here all the time. It's an economical thing to do," she said.

On Saturday, she brought her two daughters, Alexis, 6, and Kendal, 3, along with her mother, Janice Dobbs, all of Whitehall, to the Candyland event. The children quickly became absorbed in constructing candy castles.

"My house is pretty fancy, and I haven't eaten any of it," Alexis said, as she carefully applied decorations to her graham cracker-and-frosting castle creation.

After completing their castles, groups of 10 to 12 children were invited to begin playing the Candyland game.

"Raise your hand if you've ever played Candyland before," said Ms. Burniston. All hands shot into the air.

Ms. Burniston handed out game cards that directed each child to a different colored square placed on the floor. The children moved along the colored pathway placed throughout the library.

Along the way, they stopped to visit with various characters inspired by the game, who were played by costumed library staff and volunteers. Each provided a different themed candy treat.

Characters included Gramma Ginger, Ms. Mint, Jolly Gumdrop, Princess Lolly, Lady Licorice and Gloppy the Chocolate Monster. The final stop was with King Kandy, who gave each child a ring pop.

Ms. Burniston explained that some character names were changed from those in the game to match the treats and the volunteers who were playing the role. Gramma Nutt became Gramma Ginger and Mr. Mint and Lord Licorice became Ms. Mint and Lady Licorice.

Many adults remember playing Candyland, a preschool game introduced by Milton Bradley Co. (now owned by Hasbro) in 1949. The game has become a cultural icon, often becoming the first game a child plays because it requires no reading or counting ability. Players move game pieces based on color-coded cards selected from a deck.

Sixty children, ranging in age from 2 to 10, registered for the free Candyland event.

Carrie Stanny, the reference librarian, was dressed in red and white with silver accents for her role as Ms. Mint. "We really embraced the idea of having Candyland through the whole library," she said.

Adult library patrons seemed to take the increased activity and noise levels in stride, according to Paula Kelly, Whitehall Library manager, who also played the role of King Kandy. "We've had nothing but smiles and good wishes from all of the patrons all day," she said.

Ms. Kelly admitted spending hours constructing her costume and elaborate candy scepter, even agonizing over the color scheme. "You would have thought it was my bridal bouquet," she said.

The only downside for Ms. Kelly, "I've been listening to the Candy Man song for an hour and half now."

Princess Lolly, Whitehall Director Robyn Hammer-Clarey, said, "We really have fun here. Most of our programs are free. Thousands and thousands are coming through our door each year," she said, despite declining government funding.

Whitehall has developed a "Giving Tree" program to enlist community support for the library during these tough economic times. Needed library items are placed on cards on the tree and patrons may volunteer to provide the items, such as cleaning supplies, copier paper or book display racks. Those who donate will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket during National Library Week in April.

The Whitehall Library's Teen Advisory Group also helped out during the Candyland event. The group is comprised of about 12 teenagers who meet routinely to volunteer and contribute ideas for library programming that would interest their peers.

Beverly Pistey, children's library assistant, played the role of Gramma Ginger at the event. She handed out ginger snap cookies, surrounded by 4-foot-tall inflatable gingerbread cookies, with a large gingerbread house behind her. "We had a ball doing all of this," she said.

Ms. Kelly agrees and thinks it was received well by the children who attended. "It's a feel-good event."

Ms. Burniston believes Candyland's popularity has endured through the generations because the concept is simple, and the theme is universally appealing: "Everyone loves candy."