Storytimes at the North Olympic Library System begin again in September.
Program organizers say library storytimes introduce children to reading in fun and engaging ways, and provide parents and caregivers with ideas on ways to help bolster early literacy development.
Weekly storytimes are held at Sequim, Port Angeles and Forks libraries through May, with a break from Dec. 24-Jan. 4.
For more information about storytimes and other programs for youth, call 360-417-8500, email to Youth@nols.org or visit www.nols.org.
The schedule is as follows:
• Baby storytime — For children of ages 0-24 months and an adult; starts at 11:15 a.m. Fridays at Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.
Reading, singing, and talking with infants and toddlers help introduce new vocabulary, give children a sense of security, and help them develop a reading habit. Baby storytimes feature songs, rhymes, movement, and books for babies up to 24 months old and their caregivers.
“It’s never too early to start reading, playing, and talking with your baby,” says Youth Services Librarian Jennifer Knight. “Baby Storytime is a great way to learn tips and tricks on how to interact with the baby in your life and meet other people with babies. Each storytime has built-in time to socialize with other parents or caregivers and hear about different activities happening within the community.”
• Wiggly storytime — For children of ages 1-3 and an adult; starts at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays at Sequim Library, 630 N. Sequim Ave., and 10:15 a.m. Fridays at Port Angeles Library
Wiggly Storytime highlights early literacy practices through an interactive storytime full of movement, songs and books. Each storytime is carefully planned with the dynamic nature of toddlers and waddlers in mind.
• Preschool storytime — For children of ages 3-6 and an adult; starts at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Sequim Library, and 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Port Angeles Library
Talk, sing, read, write and play together in an interactive storytime specially designed for preschoolers. Share books, stories, rhymes, music and movement. Preschool storytimes are designed to help caregivers and parents develop tools to help the children in their lives build early literacy skills and to better prepare for kindergarten.
• Family story time — For the whole family; starts at 10:30 a.m. Fridays at Forks Library
Family storytimes feature stories, music, rhymes, and plenty of movement and fun! Activities such as talking, reading, playing, and singing all play an important role in early childhood development. After each session, parents and caregivers will have an opportunity to visit and swap information about parenting resources in the community.
• Evening storytime — For the whole family; starts at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays (Sept. 18-Oct. 26 only) at Sequim Library
These storytimes are a chance for busy families to get together. Children enjoy a few books, laugh and wiggle to some rhymes and songs, and are welcome to wear their pajamas to the library.
