Halloween-themed Storytime being held Monday at library

The St. Marys Public Library will hold a Halloween-themed version of its regular weekly Storytime on Monday for area youngsters.

Geared toward youngsters aged five and under, Storytime is held weekly at the library. In-person Storytime resumed on Sept. 27 and is currently scheduled to continue through Dec. 6. Sessions of the free program are held at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

According to St. Marys Public Library Director Leslie Swope, Storytime on Monday, Oct. 25 will feature Halloweenthemed books, songs, and a craft.

“Children are encouraged to wear their costumes, but it is not required,” Swope said.

Swope shared that the purpose of Storytime is to help youngsters develop a love of reading.

“Ms. Vicki bases her Storytimes on the Mother Goose on the Loose program developed by Dr. Betsy Diamant-Cohen and teaches early literacy concepts in easy-to-digest formats for children and caregivers,” Swope said.

Swope explained that each Storytime session consists of a few short stories, which are read to children, along with movement activities in between the stories.

“Songs and stories are often repeated from week to week,” Swope said. “Children up to two years old need about 80 percent repetition, and singing the same familiar songs and repeating books helps children really focus in and learn.”

Storytime sessions take less than an hour and typically run around 45 minutes.

“A major part of the Mother Goose on the Loose programs that Ms. Vicki excels at is the importance of creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for both children and their adults to succeed in. Caregivers are encouraged to be present at the program and really participate with their children. This acts as a bonding experience,” Swope said. “The most fun programs are the ones where everyone is singing along. Take 45 minutes to actively engage with the children in your life.”

Older siblings of attendees are also welcome to join, Swope added.

“Sometimes, small children who are new to Storytime are not used to sitting. It is normal for them to walk around the room or leave and

come back,” Swope said. “The more a child comes to Storytime, the better they are at sitting still for the stories.”

No registration is required, and families are encouraged to attend as their schedules permit.

At the end of each Storytime session there is a small craft for families to take home as a reminder of the theme for that week’s program, Swope noted.

“Toys are provided for play before Storytime to help children develop social skills with their peers. This is especially important for children who do not have siblings of a similar age,” Swope said.

Additional information about Storytime and other library programs can be found on the St. Marys Public Library’s website, http://www.stmpl.org/.