As children aged five and up prepare to head back to school, libraries throughout the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) system are gearing up to begin fall storytimes for the under-five set.
Having served as a children’s librarian for almost three decades, the ORL’s Linda Youmans wants parents to understand the many benefits of storytime at the library.
“The live interaction of storytime, where we use songs and puppets and books, is still valid and perhaps even more important in this age of technology. It offers an opportunity to socialize for both children and adults,” Youmans explained.
“For many babies it is their first chance to be in a group and they learn to share, have fun and make friends.”
All 29 library branches that comprise the ORL system host storytimes through the school year for children aged five years and younger.
“Storytime activities such as singing, stretching and rhymes help children learn words and concepts that are the foundation of education,” Youmans said.
Library programs also give new parents a chance to interact and meet each other.
Fall storytimes at the ORL start during September. All are free and open to the public; some branches require registration due to limited space. For more information, check out orl.bc.ca/branches.