Registration for Story Time

Preschool Story Time Registration

The Registration for the fall session of our popular Preschool Story Time classes will begin at the Brigham City Library, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3^rd.  Choose from classes on either Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. or Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m.  This program is designed for children ages 3-5 years old. This session will run for six weeks, classes will begin on Tuesday September 17^th and Wednesday, September 18^th. Cost for the program is $1.00 for the entire session, due at the time of registration. Class sizes will be limited so plan to register early. Classes will feature stories, finger plays, group games, songs and a craft. Parents are not required to attend classes, but are asked to remain in the library building while their child is in

attendance. Parents are always welcome to stay and observe the class if they wish.

Jr. Story Time Registration

The Registration for the fall session of Jr. Story Time, will begin at the Brigham City Library, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3^rd .   This program is designed for children ages 2-3 years old and a parent or caregiver. This session will run for six weeks, classes will begin on Tuesday, September 17^th  and Wednesday, September 18^th.  Choose from classes on either Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. or Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. Cost for the program is $1.00 for the entire session, due at the time of registration. Class sizes will be limited so plan to register early. Classes will feature stories, finger plays, lap bounces, group games, songs and a craft. Parents are required to attend this fun, interactive class with their toddlers. 

If you have questions about these classes contact Michele Schumann, children's librarian at the library 435-723-5850.

Michele Schumann

Children's Librarian

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

Headstart visits the library

Centro de la familia de Utah brought 60 preschool Headstart students and their teachers to the library on Wednesday for a tour of the library and a story.

As much of a challenge that 60 preschoolers present, it becomes twice as hard with the Spanish/English language barrier to contend with. Many of the students had never been to a library before and this was a new, exciting and sort of scary place for them. We began their visit with a song of welcome, followed by a short discussion about how to take care of a book and protect it from damage. Connie took half the group for a walk around the library while I stayed in our auditorium with the others and read stories and sang some more songs. The highlight of the trip was doing the jumping and counting song by Jim Gill. Those who were struggling with the language barrier could follow along just fine because everybody can jump and even I can count to 10 in Spanish! Then we switched and did it all again.

As the group was leaving the director asked if we carry spanish language material. I told her that we do and we also have some bilingual materials as well. Connie laughed later because that had been a major part of the tour! Maybe the director missed that as she struggled to keep everyone safe and together. If you have need for Spanish language materials, come in and check out our selection! If you need more information on Centro de la familia de Utah, check out their website, http://www.cdlfu.org/

Michele, Children's Librarian

Preschool Pioneer now available!

Website for Preschoolers

Teachers, caregivers, librarians, parents and their young children are all exploring many new activities with Preschool Pioneer, a website for kids ages 3 to 6. (http://preschool.uen.org/)

UEN created the free site to give preschool age children, their parents and caregivers trustworthy educational resources and multiple ways to develop critical school readiness skills. “Utah has more than more than 285,000 children under age six. Preschool Pioneer provides options for parents and caregivers to prepare children to be successful students when
they enter school,” says Lisa Cohne, Preschool Pioneer Project Manager.Featuring familiar PBS programs and characters, Preschool Pioneer encourages young children to have fun while developing school readiness skills for reading, numeracy and community awareness. The interactive website includes games, printables, links for parents and caregivers, and a calendar of Utah activities and events for families with young children. The site is accessible via the Internet in homes, libraries, care centers, and school-based early childhood programs.

Check out this fun, free resource with your child today!
Michele, Children's Librarian