Not Your Everyday Story Time

Story times are children’s library basics. All of us remember favorite picture books – “Goodnight Moon,” “The Cat in the Hat” or “Make Way forDucklings.” Many of these dearly loved books were introduced to us as pre-schoolers at library story times.

But now the range of story times fits many more age groups and interests. It includes Spanish language sessions, story times beyond the library walls and even story times with dogs. All have a separate rationale but serve the same purpose – getting our youngest library users hooked on books.

Just an overview of the monthly story time offerings at shows quite a  range. It isn’t just your garden variety of story time any more.

Every Monday afternoon at 3:15, kids who are 4 and 5 years old and are feeling a little bit independent can attend “On My Own Story Time” without their caregivers. It helps with those separation issues that are part of getting ready for school. This is a pre-registered session in the Children’s Craft Room.

Twice a month on Wednesday mornings at 11 a.m. babies and toddlers have their own story time, proving that you can’t start too early to read to your kids. These 20 minute sessions are for ages 2 and younger and also require pre-registration.

One Thursday a month Spanish story time at 11 a.m. features one of Watertown’s very own bilingual librarians. She leads kids ages 3 to 5 in stories, songs and fun—all in Spanish. It’s great way to introduce kids to another language.

Another monthly Thursday morning event  this past year has been the story time. Held in the Food Court and sponsored by Regina Pizzeria, kids 5 and under have been led in stories and crafts by a traveling Watertown Free Public Library children’s librarian.

On a number of Saturdays this past year, the Children’s Department has scheduled B.O.N.E.S, a program for beginning and struggling readers in the first through fifth grades. Each child has a one-on-one 15 minute pre-registered session with a certified reading dog. The idea is to smooth out any anxiety over reading, using these specially trained dogs.

Of course, the time honored, drop in weekly story times for kids 3 to 5 still have a place at the library. At 11 a.m. on Tuesday mornings and Friday mornings in May, children can join in stories, songs and games.

All kids can see themselves somewhere in this lineup of story times.  Children’s Department staff try all ways to get kids to love reading and being read to.  Call the Children’s Department at 617-972-6435 to get signed up.  Or visit the Children’s Pages on our website at www.watertownlib.org.