Time to toss out that old mental image of your local public library as a hush-or-else quiet temple of bookshelves. Today’s libraries have a lot more going on. Last weekend, for example, we told you about an adult Wii-gaming class at Delridge Library — nice turnout, we’re told, and now we have another activity at that branch — one of four Seattle Public Library branches in West Seattle – that we want to tell you about: “Wonderful Ones.”
For the next four Thursday mornings, children’s librarian Shannon Schinagl invites parents of 1 year-olds — 12 months old through 23 months — to come spend half an hour in a room at the Delridge branch set aside just for them, their little ones, and any siblings they want to bring along. From 11 to 11:30, Shannon will read books designed just for that age group. Here’s a quick demonstration, and her explanation of what the book offers:
She also will offer other activities as breaks between short bursts of reading — songs, rhymes, etc. — and she is quick to say, the kids are NOT – repeat, NOT – expected to just sit still and listen. And if parents need to get up and leave during the presentation so they can change a diaper or get something, no problem with that either. She stresses that expectations are absolutely realistic, knowing the never-idle nature of life with somebody so small. But there really is something they can get out of it besides the sheer entertainment value:
There are toddler storytimes and baby storytimes at other branches at other times, but this is the first time “Wonderful Ones” is being offered at Delridge Library. Shannon says she’s planning to keep the room open for a while after the storytime ends at 11:30 am, so that the kids can continue playing with the scarves and toys she’ll have set out, while the parents talk with each other if they choose.
This is free of charge, no pre-registration necessary, and will be offered at Delridge Library at 11 am Thursday for the next four Thursdays – again, siblings are welcome; unless they are truly old enough to supervise themselves, though, she recommends they stay in the story-time room with everybody else – they can bring or get their own book to read or whatever else they want to do.
If you want to find out more about this before showing up Thursday morning to check it out, the Delridge Library website is here; that includes its location, or you can call 206-733-9125.
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