The familiar strains of Olympic fanfare caught the attention of patrons at West Regional Library in Cary and focused their attention on the procession of torches that snaked through the building.

About two dozen area kids carried their construction-paper tapers Saturday morning in emulation of the Olympic torch, a replica of which was at the head of the procession.

“With the placement of the torch in the podium, the spirit of the Olympics at West Regional Library has begun,” said Ann Wisner, who handles community services for the library.

Morrisville-based Lenovo, the torch’s designer, provided an exact replica of the scroll-shaped “Cloud of Promise.”

Like the torch that lit the flame in Beijing, the one at the library was fashioned from aluminum magnesium, is 28 inches tall and weighs 2.2 pounds. It is fueled by propane.

Library assistant Megan Marshall explained that the Olympic flame symbolizes the Greek myth of humans receiving fire from Prometheus.

“In modern times it represents that we’re all coming together to do the same thing,” Marshall said.

She also explained the torch’s scroll design, which represents thousands of years of Chinese culture and learning.

The replica is one of 10 in the United States.

Wisner has contacts at Lenovo who were able to arrange for the torch’s presence. It had last been at Intel headquarters in California.

“We just thought this would be a great tie because Morrisville is the North American headquarters for Lenovo,” Wisner said.

“I think it is so much fun. The Olympics have such a great spirit.”

The opportunity to be that close to one of the key symbols of the games drew the children and their parents.

Activities include rounds of arts and crafts, the parade and inspiration from the mother of a local Paralympian.

Verdina Gillette’s son, 2003 Athens Drive High School graduate Elexis Gillette, is in Chula Vista, Calif., preparing to go to Beijing next month to triple jump in the Paralympic Games. The games are set for Sept. 6-17.

Elexis Gillette, 23, is legally blind.

Verdina Gillette wore her son’s silver medal in the long jump from the 2004 games in Athens. Though always athletic, Elexis Gillette did not find his outlet in track and field until 2002.

He is the American record holder in long jump and triple jump for totally blind athletes.

“He still had the desire to overcome and make the best of the opportunity he was given,” Verdina Gillette told the audience.

Participants were caught up in the Olympic spirit.

Manosh Majumdar of Morrisville said his son, Manav, 6, swims and “likes things with more action.”

Manav watched the swimming and diving competition.

He wanted to bring Manav “for the craft and [so] he might understand more about the Olympics and the Olympic torch.”

Sierra Reid, 13, of Cary, came with her mom and sister because she wanted to see the torch.

Reid said she had been watching badminton, floor exercise and other gymnastics.

The torch lived up to her hopes. “I thought it was neat,” Reid said. “I like the look of it.”

She was also impressed by Elexis Gillette’s silver medal. “The Braille on the back was really awesome,” Reid said.