By Ginger Mattson, Senior Communications Specialist

Each week there are more than 40 opportunities for you and your young children to attend popular literacy-based storytimes throughout the Arapahoe Library District. Storytimes are carefully crafted for babies, toddlers, preschoolers or the entire family. Trained staff members share their love of reading with children through motivating story books, songs, fingerplays and rhymes. In addition, storytimes have been enhanced to highlight one of the six, key pre-reading skills each month. These skills are the stepping stones that lead to later reading success.

Experts confirm that literacy development actually begins at birth, and it is critical that children receive enjoyable and repeated language stimulation during these early years. Our literacy-based storytimes will demonstrate fun ways you can foster the love of books and the development of the pre-reading skills at home. Age-appropriate stories for check-out and practical, fun literacy activities will be made available to you as well. After all, you are the best teacher your child will ever have, and the key to your child's success!

In order to ensure a quality experience for you and your children, advanced reservations are required for each literacy-based storytime. By limiting the number of attendees at each session, we can develop strong relationships and provide more opportunity for participation.
One week in advance of any storytime, you may make a reservation. Click on our calendar of Programs & Events on our website at www.arapahoelibraries.org, find the storytime you would like to attend, and click on it to register. You can also visit the library or call 303-LIBRARY to make your reservation. You must make an individual reservation for each literacy-based storytime.