Johnson City Public Library: Storytimes In The Park For Toddlers And Preschoolers

Press release from Johnson City Public Library:

Hannah Kiger

September 4, 2021

In-person storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers are back, starting this Wednesday, September 8! Storytime in the Park features books, music, and more for ages 2-5. It meets every Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. (Please attend only one storytime per week.)

Due to the increase in COVID cases, we’ll meet outdoors at the King Commons Natural Adventure Area across the street from the Library. Youth Services Manager Betty Cobb says, “We decided to have storytimes in the park because we want to protect our young patrons who can’t be vaccinated yet. Having storytimes outdoors is just a safer option.”

Because of COVID precautions, please sit with your child during storytime and social distance from other families. Masks aren’t required at the park, but they are required inside the Library.

We know it can be hard to hear outdoors, so we’ll have a speaker system set up in the park; families can spread out and still hear. We’ll also try to have duplicate copies of the storytime books so one librarian can read the book while another shows the pictures.

Storytime in the Park is a combination of Toddler Time and Preschool Storytime. Because we’re combining the two age groups, the program will be a little different than it used to be. Your librarians will read two books instead of three, and they’ll incorporate more movement between books instead of just a fingerplay.

Storytimes will be followed by a simple craft that can be done in the park. People can spread out during the craft so everyone feels comfortable.

This press release was produced by Johnson City Public Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.