Storytimes

Spring 2008

All storytime programs consist of age-appropriate stories, fingerplays, and occasional crafts and movies.

Please note the age guidelines given for each storytime program.

The library also offers regular storytimes tailored to these specific age groups: Baby (Birth - 24 mo), Toddler (2 - 3½ yrs), Preschool (3½ - 5 yrs).

Registration

Registration may be done in person or by phone (401-710-7800) during regular library hours.

If you have any questions about our children's programs, please call the library and speak with one of our Children's Librarians, Cynthia Szymanski or Beth DeCristofaro.

Storytimes Calendar

May 2008

Babytimes

Pre-Walkers ages birth to 14 months

Mondays
May 5, 12, & 19
9:45 to 10:15

Walkers ages 14 to 24 months (aprox.)

Fridays
May 9, 16, 23, & 30
9:45 to 10:15

Bedtime Stories

For ages 3½ to 6 years.

Join us for bedtime stories and a craft. Children may wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal.

Tuesday, May 20th at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 27th at 6:30 p.m.

Toddlertimes

Ages 2 to 3½ years, accompanied by an adult

Tuesdays
May 6, 13, 20, & 27
10:30 to 11:00

OR Wednesdays
May 7, 14, 21, & 28
10:30 to 11:00

About Our Storytimes

Baby

The Jesse Smith Library offers programs for babies ages birth through 24 months.

Baby storytimes are about 30 minutes long, and generally held in the morning.

For years, babies have been considered "too young" to benefit from the library. It is only recently that parents and librarians have recognized the value of exposing the youngest of children to the sounds of people talking, the tunes and cadences of songs, and the rhythms and repetitions of poems and stories. The public library provides a warm and welcoming place for babies and their caregivers to experience the richness of the English language and the companionship of other babies and adults.

The goals of the program are to promote literacy and the love of language from the beginning of the child's life, and to provide a time and place for caregivers and their babies to share books and to socialize in a group setting. Each session begins with twenty minutes of rhymes and songs during which babies and adults clap, bounce, point, and fly, all from the safety of an adult lap. After rhymes, books are shared, both on a group and individual basis. The session ends with lullabies and a good-bye ryhme. Babies and adults are then free to socialize and share more books if they wish after the session.

Toddler

Toddler storytimes are for children ages 2 - 3½ years.
These children must be accompanied to each session by an adult.

Toddler storytimes are about 30 minutes long, and are generally held in the morning.

Preschool

Preschool storytimes are for children ages 3½ - 5 years who do not need to be accompanied by an adult.

Preschool storytimes are about 45 minutes long, and are generally held in the morning.