So what exactly IS storytime and why should we come?
Storytime here at the Adrian District Library is a 40 minute program of books, fingerplays, puppets, songs, movement activities, and flannelboards.
Each storytime features a different theme. Dogs, farms, gardens, winter, and construction are some themes we have used.  Typically three carefully chosen books are read to the children with other activities interspersed between the books. We might sing a song, recite a nursery rhyme, play Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes, do a fingerplay (think Itsy Bitsy Spider), enjoy a feltboard story or rhyme, dance, act out a story or sometimes watch a puppet show. Storytimes are designed with the young active child in mind. There are lots of opportunities for joining in and getting up and moving around. Parents, grandparents, caregivers are invited to be good role models and participate in all of the storytime fun. Sometimes we get quite a work out with some of our energetic movement activities!

But I read to my child/grandchild all of the time. What can storytime do for us?

First, congratulations for reading to your child. This is the best way to develop early literacy (pre-reading) skills. And there aren't too many other activities to share with your child that bring as much joy as sharing books.
Here are some benefits of  attending a library storytime that maybe you haven't thought of.

1. Gives you a break from reading to your child and exposes your child to another voice and manner of reading.
2. Learn about new books and authors, including some of the tried and true classics as well as the latest new titles and hottest children's book characters. 
3. Provides role modeling on how to read aloud to children (not that everyone necessarily needs it, but sometimes it's enlightening to observe how someone else reads)
4. Learn new fingerplays, songs and rhymes to practice at home. Singing and rhyming are excellent early literacy activities. 
5. Helps your child learn to sit still, take turns, interact with other children and adults.
6. Gives your child something to look forward to during their week. Many children think of storytime as their 'school' and the librarian as their 'teacher'.
7. Exposure to some great recorded children's songs and music.
8. Make new friends - kids AND adults.  It happens all of the time during the course of a storytime season. 
9. Creates a special bond between adult and child and builds memories for your child.
10. Enjoy other ways of listening to stories including through puppet shows, songs and felt boards.
11. Get some exercise. We sometimes move around a LOT during storytime!
12. In addition to being educational for your child (and their adults) storytimes are just plain fun! And they're free!

When is Storytime?
Storytimes will be held in the basement level Community Room on Wednesdays at 10:30.
The storytime session begins September 13 and continues through December 13.
No registration is necessary. Come when you can. We hope to see you there!

And if you still have questions about storytime - let us know!