Preschool Storytime
This is an independent storytime where children sit and listen to stories
all by themselves. It is aimed at children aged 3 to 5 years. Preschool
storytime is designed to introduce children to books and libraries in a
positive, enjoyable way. The program time averages 45 minutes to 1 hour
and includes a variety of stories, fingergames, action rhymes and perhaps
a craft or film. Along with aiding the development of listening and motor
skills, preschool storytime is also a time when children can learn socialization
skills with children their own age.
To help provide an optimal learning atmosphere for your child during storytime,
we have provided for parents/caregivers the following Storytime Guidelines:
- Storytime children should be mature enough to attend storytime without
parental supervision. Sometimes only a month or two in your child's development
can make a big difference in his readiness for storytime.
- If a child is new to storytime and reluctant to attend without a parent
then we suggest that you attend with your child the first one or two times.
When parents find it necessary to attend they should participate along
with the storytime children by sitting on the floor & interacting with
the stories and fingergames. (no cell phones please)
- Parents and younger siblings should wait outside the storyroom. We ask
that you stay in the library nearby at all times while your child is in
storytime to make sure that your child knows where you are and does not
feel abandoned.
- If you arrive after storytime has already started, send your child in
quietly so as not to distract from storytime.
- Please notify the library ahead of time if you wish to bring several
children. If you have more than 8 children, we ask that you book a separate
program. For questions or scheduling, call 757-5314.
Our goal is for everyone to have a good time and help you nurture your child's
love of books and the library.
For dates and times click the location you would like to attend:
Afternoon Adventure Club
This is a program for children aged 6 to 10 years old. Afternoon Adventure
Club is designed to introduce children to books and libraries in a positive,
enjoyable way. The program time averages 45 minutes to 1 hour and includes
a variety of stories and activities. Along with aiding the development of
listening and motor skills, Afternoon Adventure Club is also a time when
children can learn socialization skills with children their own age.
As help in providing an optimal learning atmosphere for your child during
storytime, we have provided for parents/caregivers the following Adventure
Club Guidelines:
- Children should be mature enough to attend without parental supervision.
Basic craft skills are needed to participate: cutting, pasting, drawing,
etc.
- Parents and younger siblings should wait outside the storyroom. We ask
that you stay in the library nearby at all times while your child is in
Adventure Club to make sure that your child knows where you are.
- Please notify the library ahead of time if you wish to bring several
children. If you have more than 15 children, we ask that you book a separate
program.
Our goal is for everyone to have a good time and help you nurture your child's
love of books and the library.
For dates and times click the location you would like to attend:
Lapsit
Lapsit is a free program for children 18 - 36 months old along with a parent.
Lapsit is 20 to 30 minutes long and is held in a 6-week series of sessions.
Pre-registration is required, with a limited number of space available for
toddlers. The program is designed to be a positive, pleasant introduction
to libraries, good books, stories and activities. Lapsit is also an introduction
for the parent or caregiver to the variety of library materials available.
To provide a positive experience for all who participate and to make each
child comfortable in the library setting, we ask for your cooperation and
assistance as follows:
- Only one toddler per parent should attend lapsit programs.
- Lapsit should be discussed with your child before coming. Explain that
there will be puppets and that we will participate together in stories,
- The parent is expected to remain with the child and to participate fully,
helping the child to follow the leader's directions.
- Even though your child may not be actively involved, he still may be
learning by watching and listening.
- Do not force participation, but gently encourage.
- If your child becomes restless or uncooperative, please feel free to
leave and join in again later.
- There should be no eating or drinking in the library.
- Parents are welcome to visit with each other before or after the sessions.
Lapsit is meant to be a shared time for the child and parent and talking
during the program should be limited to class participation.
- Attendance is important because the activities each week build on skills
learned the week before. Call if you are unable to attend.
- Punctuality is essential. Arriving early allows your child to settle
down and be ready for Lapsit.
- Folders are provided for the weekly handouts. Bring your folder to each
session.
- If you choose library materials before the program starts, please allow
staff to hold them for you, as they can be a distraction during Lapsit.
Thank-you for your cooperation. We look forward to meeting you and your toddler,
and helping nurture your toddler's love of books, reading and the library.
For dates and times click the location you would like to attend:
Summer
Reading Program
To encourage reading in the summer months, the library hosts a
Summer Reading Program for children ages birth to 12th grade. The
program begins with kick-off activities and ends with a Grand Finale
event for those who complete. At registration, participants are
given a log book to record all the books they read or listen to
over the summer and those who read at least 10 books receive a certificate.
This summer the theme will be "Many Stories - One World."
For more information, please call the Children's Department at (423)757-5314.
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