Library is Lots of Fun!

By Katie M

Ask me what the best kept secret is for any mom, and I’ll say it’s the library. We have been going to the library for play time and free events ever since my daughter was barely able, or willing, to sit still for story time. But I still brought her to story time – every week – and then had to entertain her in the car on the way home (sometimes even reaching behind me to tickle her feet) so she wouldn’t fall asleep and could make it to nap time. Yep, I went through this every week, but it was well worth it. And it’s all FREE!

Our new ritual as a family is to go to the library about once a week and gather books for bedtime readings. We make it a big event and our kids get a huge kick out of it. And the best part is that Mom and Dad have new books to read each night versus the usual over-read books on the shelves.

And it’s not all about books either. Most branches have toys for children too. The Central Library in downtown Winston-Salem dedicates half a floor to the children section, which includes books (obviously); movies; an auditorium for movie viewing; a play area with puzzles, Lego’s, and other games; a secret hide-away area for kids to crawl in and read; computers; a separate room for Story Time; and lots of other stuff that I probably don’t even know about!

Story time is available for children ages 18-months to three years at any branch of the Forsyth County Public Libraries. Parents get to meet other parents, and the children get to hear a story plus participate in activities, puzzles, crafts, and participate in sing-alongs.

Times and days are subject to change (and they do – be aware), but below is the schedule of special events children at Central Library in Winston-Salem:
Book Babies – Mondays at 10 am
Toddler Story time – Tuesdays at 11 am
Preschool Films – Wednesdays at 10 am
Preschool Story time – Wednesdays at 11 am
Any Age Story time – Thursdays at 11 am
Family Story time – Saturdays at 11 am
Monthly Craft Specials – One afternoon a month
Play Music Mondays – Mondays at 10:30 am

For more information on these programs at the Central Library in Winston-Salem, and to confirm days and times, you can call them directly at 703-BOOK (2665).

In Greensboro, the Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library (1420 Price Park Road, Greensboro) also offers free story times. Their schedule is as follows:
- Story time for Preschoolers: Tuesdays (1:30 pm)
- Story time for Preschoolers & Toddlers: Tuesdays (9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 am), Wednesdays (9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 am)
- Program for School ages: Wednesdays (3:30 pm)

To confirm the days and times above, you can reach the Kathleen Clay Edwards branch by calling 373-2923.

The computers (at the Central Library in Winston-Salem) are available for children ages 18 months to 13 years and feature educational software and four Internet work stations with a word processing station. To use the computers, sign up with the librarian or reserve computer time up to one day in advance.

Another great program is Books Alive! at the Lewisville Library Branch. Stories come alive the last Saturday of each month as kids learn how to act out their favorite books. Every session starts at 10:30 am with a two-minute “actor’s warm up” followed by reading the book of the month. Children in Kindergarten through 3rd grade are welcome. The last Books Alive! program noted on the schedule (there may be more, however) is January 31, and they will feature Snowman Surprise.

To learn more about other library branches in Forsyth County, click here. For Greensboro area libraries, click here. And for the High Point Public Library, click here.

What have I forgot to mention? I’m sure there are a million other reasons to visit your public library. And I'm sure there are branches in the Triad that are doing cool things that are not mentioned above. If you have additional library scoop, please add to the comments below!

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM