This is the big question that I know many of you have 3 times a year when suddenly, you’ve arrived for Storytime at the Handley Branch and you find that there is a playtime instead! Many of you may already know the answer, but we wanted to tell you a little bit more about our Storytime breaks, and how we will be aligning them to the Family Place Library accreditation we earned this year!
There are two big reasons that we go on a Storytime break:
✨To provide time for our staff to plan the new season, or spend time being trained on new concepts and practices.
✨To provide caregiver resources to all our patrons!
Let’s dive in!
➡️So what does this mean for patrons?
One of the core components of being a Family Place Library is that we believe caregivers shouldn’t do this alone! At the Handley Branch we strive to provide you with access to the resources you need, so in 2026 we will be partnering with local businesses and specialists during our playtime breaks. We want to provide a relaxed space where you can socialize and play with your little, but you also have the opportunity to ask for help!
➡️What does this mean for staff?
As you may have heard, the Handley Branch recently received our accreditation as Family Place Library™ this national recognition means that we are a leading source of early literacy education for families and caregivers in the city of Winchester. To provide the best programs possible, our staff are always learning new things about early literacy education and learning through play. We take a reset three times a year to plan new engaging programs and materials for the next storytime season. We like to choose fun themes that will engage your littles, and spend time incorporating early literacy best practices into our plans. Did you love it when we used the loofahs as bath bubbles? Did you learn a new finger play this season or hear a new song? Our inspiration comes when we have the time to collaborate and plan. We are grateful to our community who supports us as we provide these programs!
🌸In April, we will be joined by:
Dr. Colette Sabbagh, MD Valley Health Pediatrics
Dr. Emily Humphries, OTD OTR/L
La Leche League of the Northern Shenandoah Valley
🤝Want to partner with us and provide resources for caregivers in the future? Ask for Ms. Lydia the next time you’re at the Youth Services desk!
🌱Did you attend playtime and enjoy the passive program and time to chat with other caregivers? You may like our 6 week playgroup series, the Grow a Reader Playgroup! Click here to learn more.