Westerly Sun Column | There’s a Storytime for Everyone’s Tastes

Nothing is more magical than Wednesday Storytime at Westerly Library & Wilcox Park! Whether it is an adventure story with pirates or the antics of beloved characters like Elephant and Piggie, you can trust it will be an enjoyable time for all. Because of the popularity of Storytime, the Youth Services department is pleased to announce that we are expanding our winter programming storytime offerings.

Young patrons and their grownups will have a chance to attend monthly Afterschool Storytime on the first Tuesday of the month from 4 to 5 p.m. in our Terrace Room. The new storytime is open to children up to Grade 3 and will include craft tie-ins. This month, listeners will enjoy the antics of the “Gingerbread Baby”!

We are also pleased to welcome a unique storytelling partnership with Westerly High School’s Emergent Literacy students. Under the guidance of their instructor, Sue Ljungberg, students interested in pursuing education careers have been learning how to craft lesson plans and design innovative educational experiences. We will have two opportunities for young patrons to attend the “Read and Craft with Westerly High School’s Emergent Literacy Students” on Friday, Dec. 13, and Jan. 10 from 11 to 12 p.m. in the Terrace Room. The students have selected some terrific read-alouds and fun crafts to try.

Additionally, our popular Baby Playtime program has grown in size and age! In December, Ms. Gina will begin offering a Toddler Playtime every other week on Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Simple stories, songs, and movement time for toddlers and their caregivers will help those who have outgrown Baby Playtime continue to enjoy exploring and imagining.

Don’t forget about our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative! Register your young reader to track their reading, earn free books, and develop a lifelong love of reading. Want to keep storytime going at home? Our Children’s Room staff are eager to help you find your next great read-aloud and can offer tips and suggestions on engaging young listeners. We also offer Storytime Backpacks that include three stories and an activity around a central theme. Some of our backpack themes include farms, community helpers, space, and more!

Looking for something after school this winter? We have several afterschool opportunities for School Age, Tweens, and Teens, including book clubs, an intro to service learning for Tweens, STEAM Engine, and Natural Arts. Be sure to check out our calendar of events for all our winter programs at Westerly Library & Wilcox Park.

Questions or want to know more? Reach out to Rebecca Graebner, Head of Youth Services and Education, at 401-596-2877 x317, or come in and see us!

by Rebecca Graebner, Head of Youth Services