Story Time...What's the Big Deal?

Next week we will begin a new series of Story time programs for kids ages 2-5. I spend approximately 40% of my time either prepping or presenting programs for kids. Why so much time? Let's look and see what the benefits are.

As a children's librarian I believe that reading is necessary for success as well as reaching one's potential. We teach young children to read because it is easier for them to develop this skill at an early age. The consequences of not being able to read are devastating. Did you know that 60% of all prisoners in the U.S. justice system are illiterate and that poor literacy skills have been linked to depression in children as young at age 10? So, what does that have to do with Story time? Programs at the library are designed to promote reading and the love of books. Great programs at the library bring people in and once they are in the building they are 75% more likely to use other services that the library offers.

Programs at the library, like Story time, promote a sense of community. Programs turn a solitary activity of reading into a group activity. It helps socialize children into the community and helps parents feel less isolated from other parents. We can show kids that reading is fun, we can form good reading habits and teach them how a library works. This sets them up to be successful library users in the future. Story time is not just about books but engages children in language and stories as well.  At the library, especially during Story time, we see the social effect of reading. Reading is a way to combat overexposure of media that often promotes violence, bad use of language and poor morals. Attending a program at the library can help a child develop a sense of structure and an awareness of rules and routine setting them up for success when they enter formal school environments.

You may ask the question, "Aren't teachers at school teaching kids how to read?" Well yes, they are teaching the mechanics of reading, but the reality is that most teachers cannot spend enough time with a child to engage them in literature.  It is the libraries' job to promote the love of reading and books.

There is still time to register your child for one of our Story time sessions. Classes available are Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. or you can attend one of our drop-in programs which we hold every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. You don't need a library card to attend any of our classes.  For more information about these and other programs at the library, call us at 435-723-5850 or visit our web page at www.bcpl.lib.ut.us

Michele Schumann
Children's Librarian

Flap, Jump and Shimmy into Reading

By Michele, Children's Librarian

If you are singing The eency weency spider song or dancing along with The Crazy Dance Contest by Jim Gill, you must be attending Preschool Story Time. There is nothing cuter than a dozen children age five and under blowing kisses and wiggling along to a story. But look closer at the jumping, clapping and animal sounds and you will see a method behind all this silliness.

Programs at the library are all about promoting children's literacy develpment. We need to help children develop in the following six areas: Print awareness, vocabulary, print motivation, narrative skills, phonological awareness and letter knowledge. Picture book reading provides children with many of these reading-readiness skills.

Print Awareness is knowing how we follow the written words on a page and how to handle a book. Parents can help by reading aloud everyday. Following the words with your finger as you read and pointing to new words.

Vocabulary is knowing the names of things. Parents can help by talking with your child, tell them the names of new things. Use creative descriptions.

Print motivation is a child's interest in and enjoyment of books. Parents can help by having books available to your child everyday.

Phonological Sensitivity (Awareness) is the ability to hear and play with smaller sounds in words. Parents can use rhymes and play with words. Combine two familiar words with each other to make up a new silly word. For instance; combine Duck and Horse to make a Dorse or a Huck.

Narrative skill is the ability to describe things and events and to tell what happened. Parents take turns with your child telling about your day. Use descriptive words.

Letter Knowledge is knowing that every letter has a different name and sound. Parents teach letter names and sounds together. Read alphabet books together. Teach your child to spell their name and sound it out together.

What you do every day gets your child ready to read. So bring your child to the library, choose some books and stop by one of our programs. It can help you teach your child to love reading, and make your child's day more fun, so get ready to flap, jump and shimmy to early reading skills.

Reading Time to Begin September 12th/13th

By Michele, Children's Librarian

Now that the big kids are back in school, parents may be looking for something to do with their preschooler or toddler.

May I suggest coming to Reading Time on Wednesdays or Thursdays at 12:30. We will meet in the library basement for approximately 25 minutes. I will read a selection of new and classic books. This program is designed for parents to attend with their child and enjoy some new books featured at the library. We will also have music and sometimes an activity or game.


This program is FREE! You don't need a library card, you don't need to register. Just drop by and have fun in the library!

One suggestion for parents coming to this program, visit before or after with the other parents. Last year we had so many parents visiting during the stories that the children would have a hard time hearing! We are looking forward to a fun time each week, so come on in and join us.

Upcoming Programs for Kids

By: Michele, Children's Librarian

As you can see from these pictures from our summer storytimes we have a great time at our programs, come and join us in the fall.

Free Reading Time
Begins on September 12th, for children of all ages. No Registration, just drop in to hear fun stories and sing some exciting songs. Held Every Wednesday and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. meet in the library basement. 25 minutes. No Reading Time will be held on Nov. 22nd (Thanksgiving)

Fall Preschool Story Time Classes
Registration begins on Tuesday, September 11th. Classes will begin the week of September 18th/19th. Session will run for 6 weeks. Class times are Tuesdays at 10:00 and 11:30, and Wednesdays at 10:00 and 11:30. Cost is $1.00 due at time of registration. Suggested ages for this class are children 3-5 years old. Parents are not required to attend but are always welcome. Sign up for 45 minutes of stories, games, songs, crafts, activities and snacks. Parents are asked to remain in the library building during classes.

Fall Mommy and Me Classes
Registration begins on Tuesday, October 30th. Classes will begin the week of November 6th. Class times are Tuesdays at 10:00, and Wednesdays at 10:00. Session will run for 4 weeks. Cost is $1.00, due at time of registration. Suggested ages for this class are children 2-3 years old. Parents need to attend this lap-sit class with their child. Stories, games, rhymes, lap bounces, activities, crafts and snacks are included.

Reading Time: Drop in Fun for Everyone

Free Reading Time has a Successful Year

Did you know that the Brigham City Library has a free, drop-in program for kids? Most of our Storytime programs cost $1.00 and you need to register but Free Reading Time is open to everyone. You can bring children of any age, you don't need a library card, and you can choose to attend either Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 12:00 noon. Reading Time runs from the opening of school (first week in September) to the end of school (last week in May).




As we come near the end of our fourth season of Reading Time, the program is more popular than ever. Since September of 2006 we have had more than 800 people attend!

I am often asked why parents must attend with their children for Reading Time. First, the parents can act as ushers and I can keep my role to story teller. Second, this is a great time to learn storytelling and story reading techniques to use when you read with your own children. Third, many parents and grandparents do enjoy hearing a good story as much as their children.
Thanks to all who have made this program fun to do each week. We will conclude on May 30th but don't forget we will resume again in September!