Escape the cold this winter and head to the Cazenovia Public Library for some story time fun. Offered five days a week, Story Time in the Story Garden encourages children to develop early literacy skills through active listening, interaction, exploration and play in an inviting environment. Each session is designed to foster a lifelong love of reading and learning.
• Children under age 2 and their caregivers are invited to join Betsy Kennedy on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. for Baby Story Time. Each 45-minute session is divided into two sections — the first half features books, songs, rhymes and movement activities, while the second half is dedicated to open playtime. Siblings are welcome.
• Toddler Story Time, led by Jenna Wright Martin, is offered Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. for children ages 2-3 and their caregivers. Weekly sessions feature books, songs, activities and open playtime.
• Explore and Learn sessions (for ages 3-6) are specifically designed to promote learning, creativity and socialization through hands-on activities and observation. Children are invited to join Pat Hill on Thursdays and Jenna Wright Martin on Fridays at 10:15 a.m. for sensory activities, scientific exploration, stories, songs and art projects. Caregivers are encouraged to leave the Story Garden for the second half of each session.
• Sensory Story Time is a special monthly program designed for children of all ages, including those with autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration issues and other developmental disabilities. While similar to other story times, these sessions place particular emphasis on repetition, interactive activities and sensory play. The next Sensory Story Time will be held Monday, Feb. 5 at 9:30 a.m.
• Toddler Story Time and Explore and Learn sessions will be cancelled when Cazenovia Central Schools close for vacation or due to inclement weather.
The library’s dedication to promoting literacy extends beyond its walls. The Story Room is a library-sponsored early literacy initiative that operates out of CazCares Food Pantry (101 Nelson St.).
CazCares is a non-profit organization that provides food, clothing and referral services to low-income families in the Cazenovia area. The Story Room provides preschool children with foundational pre-literacy skills through language-rich guided play, read-aloud experiences and learning activities.
The Story Room is open during normal CazCares hours (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to noon), and during Fresh Foods on the second Tuesday of each month, 3 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Literacy Coordinators Marli Stahler and Carla Zimmerman via the library.
All events at Cazenovia Public Library are free and open to the public. For more information, call 315-655-9322 or visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.
