Plumas County Library story times are back! After pausing during summer programming, they have returned to their regular schedule, offering free activities for families, babies, and children across the county. Library staff and volunteers present story time weekly in Quincy and Portola, and twice a month in Chester. Due to staffing limitations, there is currently no story time offered at the Greenville pop-up branch.
All children starting from newborns and including older siblings, along with their parents or caregivers, are welcome to any library story time. Each program generally includes reading, music and movement activities, and a simple craft project. Some programs also include dedicated free play time with toys provided for both babies and toddlers. Staff and volunteers said they tailor their presentations to the ages of their current regular participants.
Each story time is themed. Seasonal themes involve topics like changing fall leaves, snowflakes, and gingerbread. Sometimes the program focuses on a certain type of animal, such as giraffes, bears, or butterflies. Other themes encourage children to explore social topics such as feelings, sharing, and friendship. For toddlers, themes may include early learning subjects such as counting, shapes, and colors.
Linda Hale, who presents story time at the Portola branch along with volunteers Janine Wolcott and Kendyl Warren, said she considers what older kids are already learning in school. “I like to mix things up a bit, since the children probably have a lot of seasonal projects in school,” she said. “So if they have something different here, it gets them thinking.” Lori Metcalf, who presents story time at the Chester branch, creates a book display in line with the theme, encouraging families to explore more deeply.
In developing the theme, the story-time presenter reads books and sometimes poetry out loud. She may also present a fingerplay, puppet show, or flannel board story. Music and movement activities may include singing songs, joining in rhythm exercises with shakers and drums, or learning a hand clapping pattern. Hale said she sometimes brings out the parachute for children to practice movement timing and teamwork.
Finally, each story time usually includes a craft project related to the theme. In Portola, Hale said the craft time is “open choice” for the children, allowing them to “use their imagination to create their own version of the project.” Interim County Librarian Sharon McKay, who presents story time in Quincy, said craft activities might include a paper cutting project, coloring, or making a game or craft item to take home. She said she plans for participants in a wide age range, and she follows their lead in determining activities.
Though story time is clearly linked to early literacy goals, Hale, McKay, and Metcalf agreed that the program offers far wider benefits as well. It offers socialization opportunities, both for young children and for families who might not otherwise meet each other. It also offers a fun introduction to the library and library services.
In addition, the program helps build foundational skills for children, such as concentration, communication, and coordination. Projects like cutting, coloring, and even free play help refine children’s fine and gross motor skills. As a whole, the story time experience fosters cognitive development and encourages imagination and creativity.
In Quincy, story time is offered on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. In Portola, story time is Wednesdays, 3 to 4 p.m. There is no Portola story time Dec. 27. In Chester, story time is held on second and fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to noon. Those interested in a hybrid in-person and virtual story time through Zoom may contact Metcalf at [email protected] or (530) 258-2742.
Learn more about Plumas County Library services for kids and families at https://www.plumascounty.us/556/Library-Kids-Page.