Storytime FAQ

What’s the purpose of storytime? 

All of our storytimes are designed to help develop early literacy skills and get ready for school. This includes listening and following directions. Storytime is also a chance for you to bond with your child and, of course, HAVE FUN. 

What should I expect during storytime? 

Every storytime is a little different based on the targeted age group and librarian running it. All storytimes include reading, rhymes and songs. We often pass out interactive elements like rhythm sticks, scarves, or bells. You can find a little more information under “Which storytime should I attend?”.

What should I (caregiver) do during storytime?

Be an active participant and model participating by listening to the stories, and following along with the rhymes and dances. Your participation will make shyer or quieter children feel more comfortable and create a positive and fun experience for everyone.

To help everyone stay focused, please leave any toys, snacks, or other distractions in your bag/stroller. Additionally, please avoid the use of any screens during this time so we can all be fully present and engaged together.

What if my child isn’t engaging? 

If your child is sitting quietly, please continue coming and participating. The more familiar they are with storytime, the more likely they will join in. 

We know children’s attention spans are sometimes hard to manage, but we plan storytime with that in mind. If your child becomes a distraction to other children or the librarian by constantly wandering, talking or crying, do your best to encourage appropriate participation. If that isn’t successful, please leave and try again another day and/or try a different storytime. 

If none of our storytimes are the right fit for you, you might want to try Family Music with Sarah or Move & Groove. 

Which storytime should I attend? 

This will vary child to child but here is a little more information to guide you. You can also try out various storytimes to find the right one for you. 

Lapsit Storytime is designed for non-walking babies 0-18 months. The rhymes and bounces are designed for babies to be on caregivers’ laps.

Toddler Storytime is geared towards 18 months – 3 years and is only 20 minutes long. This storytime repeats everything including the flannel story so children more easily learn what to expect. Toddler Storytime also only features one book at the beginning of the session.

Family Storytime is open to anyone with children ages 0-5. It lasts about 30 minutes, and features 3 books. We do our best to pick stories and rhymes that can appeal or be adapted to multiple ages. 

Alphabet Storytime is similar to Family Storytime, but geared more toward preschool age children. If you have a younger child that can listen throughout this storytime, they are also welcome. Each week highlights a different letter along with books, flannels and rhymes.

How can I help get my child ready for storytime?

Read to your child! Some children may listen well at home and not in storytime. That’s perfectly natural. Storytime has a lot more people and distractions. 

Practice the songs and rhymes at home. These will be available online in January.