The Coburn Free Library has held a Wednesday morning story hour at 10:15 for as long as most Owego residents can remember. But beginning in March, the library will begin targeting its story hour toward toddlers rather than preschoolers. The reason is simple. Most four-year-olds are no longer really “pre” school; most of them attend some kind of group program already. But it’s never too early to expose children to books! Here’s why.
Books expose children to a type of language they don’t generally get in ordinary conversation – the type of language they’ll encounter in school. Early exposure to books builds a child’s vocabulary, as well as the idea that marks on a page represent sounds. Consequently, when these children do start school, learning to read may be easier for them. A library story time introduces children to situations they’ll encounter in school, too – listening, participating, and taking turns.
Recognizing the need for a free toddler library program in Owego, in March the Coburn Free Library will begin its new program on March 2 at 10:15 a.m., welcoming a younger population – children between one and three. Stories will be shorter, simpler and more colorful, and they’ll reinforce skills toddlers are learning now, like shape and color recognition.
Participants will do simple songs and fingerplays like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” And many times, they will do a really basic craft the child can take home. After story time, which will only be a half hour long, parents are welcome to sit down with their children and play with the library’s growing collection of toddler-appropriate toys, as well as check out the picture books downstairs.
In order to help the staff know how many children to expect, the library is asking you to sign up for toddler story time on a monthly basis by phoning the library at 687-3520. You can begin signing up for the March session now.
For those who haven’t visited us yet, the Coburn Free Library is located at 275 Main St. in Owego, right next to the Owego United Methodist Church; you can park on the street or in the back.
