See all posts in the Libraries series
By Patrick Jones
(Note: Chanhassen and Victoria Library Branch Manager Patrick Jones shares updates about fun activities coming up soon at the library.)
Storytimes are one of the foundational programs of public libraries. Each session lasts 20-30 minutes, where caregivers and their children engage in the five best practices of early literacy as defined by the Every Child Ready to Read initiative.
These are:
- Talking: Talking with children helps them learn oral language, one of the most critical early literacy skills. Children learn about language by listening to parents talk and joining in the conversation.
- Singing: Singing develops language skills. Singing slows down language so children can hear the different sounds in words. It helps children learn new words and information.
- Reading: Reading together develops vocabulary and comprehension, nurtures a love for reading, and motivates children to want to learn to read.
- Writing: Children become aware that printed letters stand for spoken words as they see print used in their daily lives.
- Playing: Play is one of the best ways for children to learn language and literacy skills. They learn about language through playing as the activities help them put thoughts into words and talk about what they are doing.
Storytimes are held at Chanhassen, Chaska and Victoria libraries weekly most of the year. The winter/spring storytime season began Jan. 6 and runs through May 8. These do not require registration.
Chanhassen
- Toddler storytime: Monday, 10:30 a.m.
- Family storytime: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. and Sunday, 3:30 pm.
- Baby lap-sit storytime: Thursday, 10:30 a.m.
Chaska
- Family storytime: Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30 a.m.
Victoria
- Family storytime: Monday, 10:30 a.m.
- Toddler storytime: Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.
In addition to these regular storytimes, once a month each library hosts a “super storytime,” which includes a craft.
In the spring, each library will partner with the Carver Scott Master Gardeners for a storytime.
There are also special storytimes, such as drive-in storytime on Thursday, May 22, at 3:30 p.m. Chanhassen Library where participants will turn boxes into cars for the “drive-in,” then sit in them for a short storytime program before watching a BookFlix movie on a big screen (with snacks provided)! Caregivers should bring in a box that the child will fit in, but the library will provide all the supplies to turn the box into a car. Registration is required for drive-in storytime and opens on April 10.
See a full list of programs at the library, check the program calendar.
