Well, our storyteller came around to my office to talk to me about it. She was wearing a tall, pointed, black hat and laughing fit to bust.

She's going to talk with Granny when she comes in tomorrow and explain that the candle bit has been going on for about fifteen years. And yes, she's quite thoroughly checked with the Fire Department and has insured that the smoke when the candle is blown out doesn't activate the alarms! She also uses a candle in a deep jar in which the bottom can be raised and lowered. During storytime it's kept well within her control; when the story session is over she picks up the candle and pushes it up, then all the kids (and her) "blow it out" (but the only one who actually does is the "Story Lady)."

It's really a very nice little ritual and the kids understand it.

We discussed getting a "story lamp" that she could use, turning it on and off from a distance (via lamp modules and suchlike stuff, all of which is easily available at Radio Shack).

I'll see what happens tomorrow. Everyone thinks that this will blow over when it's explained to Granny. If it doesn't -- well, I'll just have to roll out some Big Guns I have.