Storytime for Kids

We've all heard that rumor that exposing your child to classical music boosts their brains cells and makes them smarter. We've come across articles in parenting manuals that swear by reading to your children, because it strengthens the relationship and prepares them for academic excellence.

Well, the Spokane County Library District certainly has it covered when it comes to introducing kids to exciting stories and vibrant pictures. Every week each branch of the Spokane county library holds Storytime, a twenty minute period dedicated to stories, songs, and mini lessons. This time is spent helping to stimulate a passion for learning and literature. Weekly Storytime is separated into three age groups:

1. Baby Lapsit for 0-18 months - This one-on-one time between baby and parent focuses on nursery rhymes, songs, and stories to introduce the baby to rhythm and music. It works to foster an early love of the written language.
2. Toddler Storytime for ages 1 1/2 to 3 years - Designed for toddlers, this story-time uses picture books, puppets, and finger-play to engage children in arts and culture.
3. Preschool Play Learn for ages 3-5 years - This activity goes for an hour instead of the usual 20 minutes. It brings stories, songs, and finger-play into the mix to introduce concepts of math, science, art, and literature.

All of these weekly programs focus on helping children to develop cognitively, becoming aware of their educational surroundings through fun activities that promote bonding with parents. To find out what times each library branch holds their Storytime, click the here, or visit the Spokane County Library District website directly at http://www.scld.org/. 

Kelly Milner Halls - Author Reading

Auntie's Bookstore is presenting a Spokane bestselling author Thursday, June 21, at 7:00pm. Children's author Kelly Milner Halls jokes that she has always been the weird kid--she asked too many questions, didn't like to play with dolls, and couldn't stop talking to neighbors. Now, her childhood oddities have paid off; she holds dozens of honors and awards, has 19 books published, and is even the proud owner of a four-foot rock iguana aptly named Gigantor.

On the 21st of June, she'll be speaking about her latest book, Hatchlings: Life-Size Baby Dinosaurs. This bold and visually detailing book has its pages filled with life-size baby dinosaurs, giving kids an up close and personal view about these age-old reptiles. The colors are bright, the pictures are vivid, and the memories of reading this story to your children will last for a lifetime. So bring your kids and meet up with Kelly Milner Halls at Auntie's to explore the beauty of these dinosaurs.

Spokane Public Library Storytime Volunteers Needed

Do you love spending time with kids? Do you have some extra time available? Do you think children should be introduced to books as early as possible?

The Spokane Public Library is in need of Storytime volunteers and you should apply. The Storytime program has been going on in many different branches since 2007 and they hope to continue it even longer.

The Storytime volunteers present different stories to children, from toddlers to pre schoolers. The joy in seeing the children at such a young age find a love for reading is the best reward. The volunteers are asked to commit to one year of service and volunteer at least once a month. Each volunteer must pass a Washington State Patrol background check. They will be given training and assistance to make Storytime go as smoothly as possible. Storytime is from 10:00 am to 10:30 am, Tuesdays through Fridays.

What: Spokane Public Library Storytime Volunteers
Where: Spokane Public Library (most branches)
When: Tuesdays through Fridays 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Cost: FREE!
More Information:
Contact Sally Chilson at schilson@spokanelibrary.org
Call - (509) 444-5331