Columbus Library story time helps introduce reading to young children

On most Friday mornings, you will find Laurie Herschel hanging out with some of the Columbus Library’s smallest patrons. During children’s story time, children from 2 to 5 years old and their parents can listen to stories, dance, and participate in a craft project. Herschel has been doing the program for more than a decade. As the youth librarian for the Columbus Library, helping children develop a love of reading is her passion.

“We want to make sure people understand the library is for everyone,” she said. “Children at any age can get their own library card. Story time is a great way to introduce small children to all the library has to offer.”

After taking a hiatus in November and December, story time started back up in January. It will run through the end of February and then after a short break in the first part of March, will resume and go until the end of April. Herschel said the library’s online calendar is the best way to stay updated on story time and other events the library is offering.

In addition to reading books and doing crafts, Herschel uses story time to promote the five early literacy skills -- talking, singing, reading, writing, and play. Children who have been read to a lot have a longer attention span, she said, which helps as children get ready to start school.

“Story time exposes children to reading and how language works,” she said. “It also helps them follow directions and sit still, which is good for when the children become school-aged.”

Teaching literacy and encouraging good reading habits are what brought Rose Peters and her daughter Anna to story time. Peters said although her daughter is only three, she wants her to be used to being at the library and reading books.

“It was a great experience; both of us enjoyed it a lot,” she said. “My husband and I are avid readers and we want to raise our child to be the same. Anna is young but she already loves being at the library.”

During story time, Herschel also gives parents advice about how to encourage literacy in the home for small children. Herschel said most parents are already doing a good job by reading to their children and that this program at the library helps to enhance that.

“We’ve found here at the library that children who participate in reading before they enter school go to school with an advantage,” she said. “There have been parents and children that have come back to tell us how much our reading programs have helped them.”

Each week there is a different theme which Herschel tries to relate to the season or a particular holiday. But story time isn’t the only reading program offered at the Columbus Library. Seniors, teens and adults can participate in several reading groups offered nearly every month.

“We always have something going on at the library for everyone in the family,” Herschel said. “The library is for everyone.”