If you spend time on the Youth Services floor at the Handley branch, you have likely heard us talk about our Grow a Reader brand, and our new Read and Seed Activity Program. Handley’s Grow a Reader Initiative provides space to all families so that they can play, connect, and thrive as lifelong learners. The Activity Program aims to package our library’s collections, programs, and services with incentives for kids and caregivers as you complete the age/stage seed packets. For my next three blog posts, I will be focusing on each of our Read and Seed age groups: 0-2 Seeds, 2-4 Sprouts, and 4-5 Flowers. The goal of the Activity Program is for you to explore everything we have to offer at the library to support you and your littles as they grow.
So, your Seed has become a Sprout! We’re so glad that you are growing your little reader with us at the library. Now that you have a toddler, we’d love to tell you more about our offerings that your Sprout will enjoy!
Collections
Now that your little one isn’t chewing on their books as much, it’s time to start looking at our picture books! These are called “Juvenile Easy” in our system, and they live on the left hand side of the children's room at the Handley branch if you are seated for storytime. We also have a great collection of Spanish picture books which is located to the right of the black book return bin. This collection is perfect for Spanish speaking families AND families who want to learn.
Do you need vocal rest because you’ve been reading to your little non-stop? Check out our Read-a-Long collection! These Wonderbooks and Vox books are picture books that will read the story out loud to you. You can plug in headphones, or just listen through the speaker in the book. Some have a sing-a-long mode, and others have a “learning mode” in addition to the story. The books include a chime sound that tells the reader when to turn the pages. This collection is located behind the Youth Services information desk at the Handley branch, and includes books in English, Spanish, and Chinese. You can check out 10 Read-a-Longs at a time on your library card.
These kits, available only at the Handley branch, are available to patrons who live in our service area of Winchester, Frederick County, or Clarke County. We design these kits for kids ages 0-8, and each kit will indicate the recommended age range of the toys and books included inside. For your Sprout, I recommend the “My First Experiences" themed kits, and include Going to the Doctor, Going to the Dentist, New Bed, New Sibling, and Potty Training. These kits are great for helping your toddler transition through a big life event or new phase of life.
Programs
A key part of our Grow a Reader Initiative, and a requirement of the Family Place Library accreditation, this Playgroup is a free 6-week program for children ages 1-3 and their caregivers. This program happens 3 times a year downstairs on our lower level of the Handley branch. Here is some quick information about Playgroup:
- Each week has a different theme, and we have a Community Resource Professional present to play, talk, and answer questions.
- Library staff will also be present to play and answer questions.
- Parent resources will be available each week on the theme.
- The play area includes dramatic play, gross motor play, reading, art exploration, and toys for toddlers and infants.
- Coffee and snacks are provided.
- The program is free, but does require registration and a 6 week commitment.
This program is not as structured as our storytimes, but its a great way for kids to play freely, and for grownups to build community and get support. This program is only for patrons who live in our service area of Winchester City, Clarke County, and Frederick County.
This toddler storytime happens weekly on Wednesday mornings at 10:30am on the Youth Services floor of the Handley branch. This program is a great one for young toddlers who have a lot of wiggles! We start the program with an early literacy focus, letter of the day, and book on a theme. Then we get out instruments and have a mini dance party!
This program happens weekly on Thursday mornings at 10:30am on the children’s floor, and includes an early literacy focus, letter of the day, sign language, story, and instruments with movement. We never expect children this age to sit still for a full program, so please feel free to follow your little one around the room as they need to, and encourage them to participate wherever they are. You will find that the more you attend a program like this, the more your child will want to participate.
StoryWalk is a national initiative to promote literacy, movement and the outdoors. The Handley Regional Library System has four StoryWalks® that are open to the community!
- The Handley Library Reading Garden
- Rooftop of the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum
- Blandy Experimental Farm
- Bowman Library Lake Trail
Bring the family and enjoy a story in these beautiful locations!
Services
This FREE text messaging service will send you parenting tips tailored to your child’s age! It’s very easy to register for, and you can add multiple children, and even receive messages in Spanish as well as English.
This database has an entry for each day of the year, and it provides songs, books, and activities for you to try out at home with your children! Great for homeschooling littles, or just adding some extra fun to your day.
If you like to listen to audiobooks- or read on the go on a phone, tablet, or kindle- these apps are for you! Browse ebooks and audiobooks on Libby, with more to explore in the app. Explore “kid mode” on hoopla, which will allow yo to browse only kid friendly material. Share these apps with your children, or get some much needed caregiver alone time with your favorite audiobook.