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Preschool Story Time at the Library

By Charlana Albios

Photo © Bianca de BlokTake advantage of the preschool story time programs offered at many local libraries. Story time is run by library staff members and usually involves stories, music, and crafts related to a chosen theme for the day. Some libraries also offer time for free play, which gives preschoolers and parents the opportunity to socialize. In addition to introducing your preschooler to a remarkable resource available in their community, it is also a chance for them to experience an organized group setting before they begin preschool.
 

What Preschoolers Will Love About Story Time

 
Preschoolers are encouraged to get involved with the stories. Story time leaders ask questions throughout the reading of the book to promote audience participation and draw preschoolers in by having them make silly sounds and gestures. On occasion, they may even get to sing and dance.
 
Because the same staff member normally runs the program each week, your preschooler will feel more comfortable each time they attend because they will be seeing the same smiling face.
 

What Parents Will Love About Story time

 
Programs are free and you are not required to register so this works out well for parents that can’t commit to going every week, as well as for those that want to make it part of their regular schedule. You will see a lot of the same people returning every week, so this is a great chance to meet other parents of preschoolers that live right in your community.
 
Because a different theme is chosen each week, your preschooler will be exposed to books that you might not otherwise choose for them. You will also get ideas for crafts that can be done with your preschooler at home.
 

Other Things You Should Know

 
Since pre-registration is not required, there is no way of knowing how many preschoolers will be attending each day.
 
Schedules differ for each branch and may change throughout the year, so be sure to check the preschool story time calendar at your local library.
 

General Information

 
Websites:
 
 
 
Fort Vancouver Regional Library District (includes Battle Ground, Cascade Park, La Center, North Bonneville, Ridgefield, Stevenson, Three Creeks, Vancouver, Vancouver Mall, Washougal, White Salmon Valley, and Woodland)
 
 
 
Multnomah County Library (includes Belmont, Capitol Hill, Central, Fairview-Columbia, Gregory Heights, Gresham, Hillsdale, Holgate, Hollywood, Midland, North Portland, Northwest, Sellwood-Moreland, St. Johns, and Woodstock)