Storytime programs at Norway Memorial Library

NORWAY — The Norway Memorial Library offers two opportunities each week for parents and children to attend story programs. Storytime is held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Baby Boosters is Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Storytime is for children ages two to five and Baby Boosters is for birth-age two. No registration is necessary and new parents and children are always welcome.

These library programs provide critical early childhood literacy opportunities. Baby Boosters provides a welcoming environment to introduce your child to the library, books and other children. In this space we read simple stories, sing songs, rhyme, laugh and play. Before a child turns two years old it is imperative that he/she learns to love, trust, speak and listen. Participating in programs at the library allows for both a child's spirit and mind to grow and develop.

Storytime is the library's primary early literacy and language experience. It builds a perfect skill set for getting your child ready for kindergarten. "Talking with children and sharing books with them are excellent ways to encourage the development of many of the skills in the kindergarten readiness category," according to Renea Arnold, a writer for "School Library Journal." Kindergarten readiness skills are social, emotional, cognitive, expressive and language. Through bringing your child to storytime a parent is saying that their child's growth and development matters.

Storytime and Baby Boosters are important steps in your child's learning. However it is also important to continue the habit at home. Read to your child 20 minutes per day and soon he/she will be begging you not to stop. Additional books on storytime topics are always available following each program. Make sure to take some home to reinforce what your child has learned. Books can be addicting; make sure your child falls for it. For more information please contact the Norway Memorial Library at 258 Main Street, call 743-5309 or visit the library on-line at http://www.norway.lib.me.us/.