Storytime Madness

I have always been a fan of the library. Every week, my mother took my brother and I to pick out ten books each. Ten books! To be honest, it may have been going out to lunch after leaving the library that was the biggest appeal, but maybe not.

I grew up in Texas and as a young child in the 1970s, the library didn’t offer programs or activities like it does now, but I eagerly looked forward to the visit.  Our family only had one car, so after dropping Dad off at work, we were so excited to head to the library. It was a haven from the Texas heat and had a calm relaxed feeling. Mom would peruse the adult fiction section while my brother and I sat reading in the children’s section. We probably spent a good hour just reading and waiting for Mom to come fetch us. There were no coloring pages, no toys, no puzzles, no reading nooks, and no storytimes!

Lucky for us, the library was full of exciting books! They had picture books galore. My love of books started with those colorful days of reading Dr. Seuss; The Tales of Petter Rabbit; Winnie-the-Pooh; and especially The Very Hungry Caterpillar, one of my very favorites that is still a favorite today.

Can you believe I still read children’s picture books? I also share them with your children. I am an early literacy associate and share the love of books through MCPL’s storytimes in the library and out into the community. If you have attended an MCPL storytime, you may have experienced bubbles, scarves, shakers, music, dancing, fingerplays, parachute, and lots of books. You may even have engaged in some crafts or toys for extended fun-time after storytime.

Did you know that there is actually a method to our storytime madness? Each Early Literacy Associate plans storytimes around 5 pivotal learning points: reading, talking, writing, playing, and singing. As you attend one of our storytimes, see if you can spot how we are addressing each of these points.

To find a storytime, check out our website for a time and location that works best for you: https://www.mymcpl.org/kids/early-learners/storytimes. Can’t wait to see you there!

Audrey M.
Woodneath Library Center