Spokane, WA

Looking for a way to introduce your children to reading? The Spokane County Libraries have the perfect answer. My son and I have been attending Baby Lapsits at the North Spokane County library on and off since he was about six months old. At Baby Lapsits (Ages 0-18 months) a librarian starts the 20 minute story time by singing a song. She then reads a story and we sing another song or two. She concludes by reading a story and using visual aides on a felt board. At the very end she brings out toys for the kids to play with and blows bubbles. The librarians have been great in dealing with toddlers who crawl or walk around during the stories, reach out for the books or want to grab at any of the visual aides.

Baby Lapsits is offered the North Spokane Library (44 E. Hawthorne Rd.) and the Spokane Valley Library (12004 E. Main) on Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 respectively. If your child is older than 18 months, Toddler Storytimes are offered for ages 18 months to the age of 3. During this 20 minute program books are read, finger puppet plays are put on and songs are sung. Toddler Storytimes are offered at the Cheney (610 First Street, Cheney), Deer Park (208 S. Forest Ave., Deer Park), Moran Prairie (6004 S. Regal), North Spokane and Spokane Valley Libraries. To find out what times and days, log on to www.scld.org.

The Spokane County Libraries also offer Preschool Storytimes for ages 3-5. These 30 minute storytimes include reading, songs, finger plays and occasionally an art project or game. At this level the parents do not need to sit with their kids, just stay in the library. Preschool Storytimes are offered at the Cheney, Deer Park, Moran Prairie, North Spokane and Spokane Valley libraries. Check the website for information on days and times. The other County libraries, Airway Heights, Argonne, Fairfield, Medical Lake and Otis Orchards offer Storytimes that combines Toddler Storytimes and Preschool Storytimes. Check the website for days and times.

Finally, the Spokane County Libraries also offer Family Story Evenings. Family Story Evenings is open to all age groups and incorporates aspects of all the other story times. Kids are encouraged to wear the pj’s and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Family Story Evenings are offered at the North Spokane and Valley libraries on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m.