Storytime resurgance

An interesting article from the New York Times about the growing popularity of story times in public libraries. This phenomenon is due, I think, to the focus (not everywhere, unfortunately) on the importance of early childhood literacy. Educators and policy makers have been pushing development of pre-k programs to make sure that young children are familiar with the basics of letters, numbers, and the like by the time they hit kindergarten. I thought this quote from a nanny in NYC was telling:

“It used to be, ‘What do you do when the child cries?’” she said. “Nowadays, they’re like, “We would like to have library time.’”

Of course, I'm giddy that people are finding value in a service that all public libraries provide! We are earnest in our collective desire to help children grow up to be the best adults they can be and we think that we have skills and services that are extremely valuable and in many cases quite under utilized.

Here in Kansas we have a Six-by-Six program emphasizing six skills that all children should have by age six. Besides pre-k, toddler, and soon baby story times, the Hutchinson Public Library has created the E.L.F (Early Literacy Fun) area in the Children's Department to support early literacy. This area contains hands-on activities for children based on general topics. The intention is for parents to work with their young children in the area. This activity strengthens bonds and better prepares these little people for the challenges of school.

2014 Summer: Fizz, Boom, READ!

HPL kicked off summer reading with its annual Summer Celebration today. It was a HUGE success due to the hard work a dedication of library staff and a small army of volunteers. You can check out some pictures of the fun on the library's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hutchinson.Public.Library.ks

My little part in the show was helping kids make paper airplanes to throw over the balcony rail at various targets on the first floor. There were lots of great plane designs - and hey, how often are you encouraged to learn a little bit about aerodynamics by throwing paper airplanes in the library?

The rain held off today but the clouds we did have provided shade for the usually toasty outside activities! Thanks again to all the staff members who have put in so much time to pull off this event and double thanks to all the volunteers who run the gamut from Boy Scouts from Troop 21, YA Advisory Board members, RSVP volunteers, sisters, brothers, husbands, and more.

Special thanks to the Hutchinson Fire Department for bringing the big ladder truck and another truck to display. Thanks also to all the other organizations who came out to celebrate science and reading including the Cosmosphere, The Kansas Kids Museum, the Great Plains Nature Center, and I'm sure others that I am momentarily forgetting!

There are programs and event going on all summer at the library and they are all free! Give us a call (620)663-5441, check our website, or contact us on Facebook. Hope to see you in the library this summer!

Are You Jedi Material?

You can find out on October 6th at the Hutchinson Public Library.  We are putting on a new program from Lucasfilm and its publishing partners called "Star Wars Reads Day".  Register your school-age child at the Children's Circulation Desk (at the West entrance by the parking lot).  Then come to the Library's auditorium at 2pm on October 6th.  There will be Jedi training and a chance to test your skills.

I would have loved this as a kid.  I was (OK, still am) a big fan of the Star Wars movies and universe.  I must admit though to liking the original trilogy much better than the newer series.  When I saw "A New Hope" in the theater, Han shot first.  If you are unfamiliar with that bit of trivia, here's a link to explain it!

I hope that we have a good turn out for this program.  It combines reading with one of my favorite science fiction film universes.  There have also been numerous well-written, exciting books set in the Star Wars universe.  So, October 6th 2-4pm, HPL Auditorium, geared toward school-age children, register at the Children's Desk.  Hope to see you there!

Storytime is back!

Every year our children's department takes a little extremely well-deserved rest after the completion of our Summer Reading Program.  This year is no different, but now it is time to get back in the swing of things!

This year the fall story times will have 2 sessions of Toddler Time programs on Tuesday mornings and 3 sessions of Preschool Story Times, 1 on Wednesday morning, 1 on Thursday morning and 1 on Thursday afternoon.

Check out our library's calendar here.  The children's programs are color-coded light blue.  Hover your mouse over the event for brief information or click on the event for full details.

All toddlers, preschoolers and their parents are welcome!  No registration is necessary and the programs are all free.  Our goal is to help parents build a good early literacy foundation with their children.  Early childhood literacy is perhaps the single most important advantage you can give a child to help her or him achieve and succeed in school.  It is a particular interest of mine and one that as a country, I think, we ignore at our peril.