If you have small children, the best recommendation I could make in regard to the library is to get involved in a storytime at your local library. It’s a weekly routine for my 3-year-old daughter and me. We head to storytime, then she gets to play in the play area for a while, we check out books, and then play in the outdoor space before leaving. It’s a whole morning of FREE entertainment and socialization!
We started going to toddler time when she was just over a year old, and it was perfect for us. We were able to get out of the house and head somewhere not too far away, where she would be able to make friends, learn, and grow using songs, rhymes, books, and the occasional parachute. And on top of that, I was able to make friends with some of the moms there, who had kids the same age as mine. It was a win for both of us!
How do you find a toddler time or storytime for your kids?
Head to the Pikes Peak Library District’s calendar page and select the closest library branch(es) to you. Then you can filter out the content by selecting the age group you’re interested in, and a whole calendar of events at your library branch will pop up!
My closest library, for example, is the High Prairie Library in Falcon. As you can see, Toddler Time at High Prairie is on Tuesdays at both 9:30am and 10:30am. Storytime at High Prairie is on Thursdays at both 9:30am and 10:30am.
What’s the difference between the different types of storytime?
“Storytime” is generally for kids aged 3 to 7, while “Toddler Time” is for—you guessed it—toddlers (ages 1 and 2). Some library branches also have a “Baby Time,” which is for birth to 12 months.
What happens during a storytime?
Lots of interaction! If you’re worried about your kids being loud or not being able to sit still, DON’T! There are tons of opportunities to get up and move around, sing, dance and just be a kid. The facilitators of these storytime groups know how kids work, and they are in-tune enough to know when kids need a change of pace.
They’re also great about including all different types of kids, too. My daughter, Karalee, is often very reserved and timid, and takes a bit for her to break out of her shell. Our children’s librarian works hard to help Karalee participate and have fun, while also interacting well with other kids who are more extroverted [WE LOVE YOU, MS. ALLISON]. Storytimes generally include 2 or 3 read-aloud books, several songs or rhymes, a felt board game, and something fun at the end (think parachute, ribbon streamers, shaker eggs, freeze dances, etc.).
What other events does your library offer for kids?
It depends on the branch! Take a look at the calendar, and you’ll see many different kid-friendly events. There are Create and Play events—crafty/messy play times, where creativity and [some] mess are encouraged. There are Paws to Read events, where your kids can read to therapy dogs. Then, there are American Sign Language storytimes, homeschool events, playgroups, LEGO building events, music and movement groups, and SO MUCH MORE! The library ramps up events during spring break and summertime, as well, so watch the calendar for even more fun coming up!
And library events are not just for kids!
They have lots of events geared toward adults, as well. There are yoga classes and crafting events and book clubs and more! Just switch the filter from “kids” to “adults,” and you’re good to go!
Let us know what events you’re attending at your library. And if you ever want to say hello, I’m at the High Prairie Library Storytime at 10:30 every Thursday! 🙂
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