Fall Into Learning: The Power of Storytime and Early Literacy
Our fall storytime schedule is in full swing! If you've been looking for a fun, meaningful routine to start with your little ones this season, our youth librarians are here to welcome you.
Did you know that a child’s brain develops more rapidly during the first three years of life than at any other time? Long before children learn to read chapter books on their own, they are building the critical architecture for language, communication, and emotional growth. This foundation is known as early literacy—and our youth librarians specifically design every storytime session to include the basic practices to support early literacy: reading, singing, talking, writing, and playing.
The Lifelong Benefits of Storytime
When we gather to share a book, we aren't just passing the time. Some of the many benefits your child will experience include:
Exposure to enriching vocabulary: We love hunting down picture books filled with unique words and distinct sentence structures that don't often show up in everyday conversations. Hearing these helps expand your child's vocabulary early on. Discussing what they see in pictures also increases a child’s understanding of what they see on the page and expands their vocabulary.
Phonological awareness: The interactive songs, fingerplays, and silly rhymes we include in storytimes introduce children to word patterns, helping them break down words into smaller, distinct sounds.
Print motivation and awareness: Watching librarians share stories from books, children begin to understand that those marks they see on the page are letters and words and that they have meaning. More importantly, we love showing children that reading is full of pure enjoyment and comfort.
School readiness: Beyond the books, our group settings let children practice essential social-emotional skills like sitting for short periods, practicing patience, and following simple directions.
Find the Perfect Fit: Our Fall Schedule
Whether your child thrives in a lively group environment or a quiet, tailored experience, our team has a session for your family:
Big Lit (Tuesdays at 10:00 AM): This highly interactive, drop-in storytime is recommended for children ages 0–5. No registration is required—just bring your energy and get ready to move, laugh, and sing along with our librarians!
Little Lit (Wednesdays & Thursdays at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM): Perfect for children who do better in a smaller group environment. Because we keep space limited to ensure a focused, hands-on experience, registration is required.
PJ Storytime (Monthly): Wind down with us in your favorite pajamas for a cozy evening of relaxing tales. Check our online calendar for specific dates each month.
Early literacy starts with simple, joyful moments shared with family and community. Stop by this week to say hello to our librarians and give your child a head start on a lifetime of learning!
This article was written by Kerry, Head of Youth Services.
