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Story Times Winter/Spring 2008 Sessions 1 and 2 Baby Tales (Lapsit story time for pre-walkers, 20-30 minutes) Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Session 1: Jan. 29-Mar. 4, 2008. Session 2: Apr. 1-May 6, 2008. Toddler Tales (for Toddlers - walkers up to 35 months - with Adult) Tuesdays at 11:30 AM or Fridays at 10:30 AM Session 1: Jan. 29-Mar. 7, 2008 Session 2: Apr. 1-May 9, 2008. Three Year Old Tales (for child age 3 independently or with adult) Wednesdays at 10:30 AM or Fridays at 11:30 AM Session 1: Jan. 30-Mar, 7, 2008. Session 2: Apr. 2-May 9, 2008. Preschool Tales (for children who can sit independently: ages 4-6) Thursdays at 1:30 PM. Session 1: Jan. 31-Mar.6, 2008. Session 2: Apr. 3-May 8, 2008. Twilight Tales (30-40 minute family story time) Thursdays at 7:00 PM Session 1: Jan. 31-Mar. 6, 2008. Session 2: Apr. 3-May 8, 2008.	Earth Day 10:30 to 11 AM Enjoy Children's Songs and Stories with Dick Humphries following the Byrnethon Run.	Fun Things To Do Summer Reading Club June 18 through August 10, 2007 BookFlix Streaming videos, animated books and learning games. Internet Resources for Kids recommended by the library's Children's Dept.
	Services for Children and Families Children and Reading: a guide for Parents Internet Sites for Kids Homework Help (Internet sites) Resources for Homeschoolers

A Guide to Enjoying Story Times for Children and Parents

Pre-registration: Pre-registration is not necessary for any of our story time sessions. Walk-ins are welcome, however each daily class may be closed if room capacity is reached or at the storyteller's discretion. If you are not sure which session is right for your child, please talk with Children's Librarian Ellyn Benner to decide which program is the best fit for your child's age and developmental stage.

Please direct questions about story times to Children's Librarian Ellyn Benner at 215-443-2609, extension 204.

Baby Tales: a lapsit story time for infants and babies not yet walking independently. A parent or caregiver should participate with the children in this session. This introduction to sounds and pictures through short concept books, rhymes, and songs encourages parents and caregivers to participate with their babies on their laps, making for a shared experience. The 30-minute program is divided between group activities and a free-sharing time for parents and babies in the group to mingle together.

Toddler Tales: This 20-30 minute program is for toddlers up to 35 months of age who are walking confidently, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. This quick-paced story time, designed for younger children with shorter attention spans, includes short stories, rhymes, and songs with rhythm instruments.

Three Year Old Tales: this 30-40 minute program is for 3-year-olds and a parent or caregiver. This story time is designed for children who are ready for longer, more complex story plots and features short stories in various formats, songs, and may include a simple craft.

Pre-school Tales: this 30-40 minute program is for children between the ages of 4 and 6. The program focuses on stories with longer and more comples plots, songs, and may include a simple craft.

Twilight Tales this 30-40 minute story time is open to the entire family. This program features stories, songs, and may include a simple craft. Feel free to wear pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal!

Story time is an excellent opportunity for parents to introduce young children to the library and the joy of reading.

Parents benefit from storytimes, too! This is a good time to pick up some pointers. Watch how the librarian shares picture books with the children. Learn some of the songs and rhymes. Try these activities at home with your child! You will find that you will raise a child who likes books and reading, is curious and ready for learning.

Here are some guidelines to follow so that we can all make the most of storytime experiences.

• Please talk about storyhour with your child before you come. Explain that there will be stories, games, puppets, and other children and that you will participate together. Young children need to know what's expected of them.

• Please bring children to sessions that are a good fit for their age and/or level of intellectual and social development. Activities in one age cluster won't be appropriate for older or younger children. If in doubt, talk with a librarian about which session would be best for your child. Make this a special time for you and your child.

• Keep in mind that young children develop at differing rates. For example, if your 1½-year old does not seem to be paying attention to the stories in the Toddler session, consider "stopping out" for a few weeks. Allow more time for your child to develop; then try coming back. You may find the experience is more rewarding for both of you.

• Please come about five minutes early so that children can remove coats (if necessary), get a nametag (so that the librarian can get to know each person) and get settled. Please make every effort to be on time. Two- and three-year olds are easily distracted. Latecomers can become the focus of attention.

• A trip to the restroom right before storytime is often a good idea.

• If your child starts to fret or cry, by all means take him or her out of the storyhour session. We won't be offended. Sometimes children grow cranky and need one-on-one attention. By staying in the session, they become a distraction for the other children.

• If your child shows signs of illness, please skip storyhour and remain home to avoid spreading sniffles to others.

• After the program, browse the library shelves. Check out books so that you and your child may take the storytime experience home with you. Ask the library staff for suggestions about books your child might enjoy. We love to recommend good books!