Tanya Patton: Columbia County Rural Library District
Christmas Fun for Kids at the Library
Bread and butter. Peanut butter and jelly. Abbott and Costello. Some things just go together. Kids and books are no exception. That's why Janet Lyon, CCRLD's new director, wasted no time in organizing a children's story time program after filling her post in August.
In the last eight weeks, Janet has held 13 story time programs in the community with a total attendance of 135 eager pre-readers. She's passionate about promoting the importance of early childhood literacy—a fancy way of saying she believes that kids should be read to everyday starting at birth. Educators and researchers agree.
"I'm convinced by the research I've read and my own personal experience that a child who is read to regularly will be eager to read and will learn to read sooner than a child whose life doesn't include books," asserted Janet. "Story time is one way to promote early literacy."
Every Monday afternoon at 2:30, anywhere from 4 to 14 preschoolers gather in the Delany Building to hear a story or two and complete a simple craft which is often related to the book or season of the year.
"The parent participation has been great," remarked Janet. "I've been very impressed with the number of parents who stay and listen to the story with their child(ren) and then help out with the craft."
Not only has she established a regular weekly preschool hour at the library, she is reaching out to local daycare centers and preschools. Since it's difficult at best to transport large numbers of preschoolers anywhere, Janet takes her books and craft bag and goes to them.
"The daycare providers, teachers and children seem to really appreciate the fact that I'm willing to come to them," commented Janet. "And I'm getting to meet more people beyond the doors of the library."
Janet has two special events planned in December. A fun Christmas Craft Day is planned for Saturday, December 8th from noon to 2 p.m. Children kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to come and make a variety of holiday ornaments and cards. Santa will be the special guest at the December 17th library story hour beginning at 2:30. Free photos with Santa will be provided.
Bring your children, grandchildren or neighbor children to the library for lots of fun. Maybe even check out a book or LOTS of books before you leave. Kids and books—they belong together.
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