INFANT AND TODDLER ACTIVITIES IN MARYLAND PUBLIC ...

INFANT AND TODDLERTALBOTCOUNTY FREELIBRARYWASHINGTONCOUNTY FREELIBRARYWICOMICOPUBLICLIBRARYWe don't work directly with Infants and Toddlers but have had children from their child findprogram come with pre-k classes to the library. Right now Early Headstart is bringing theirbabies, toddlers, and their moms to our First Step Storytime. They will be moving in July so I amnot sure if they will still be able to come. Our van visits them twice a month.- Books for Babies- We have a partnership between the Washington County Reading Council andthe Washington County Hospital where we purchase a board book to be given to each new babyborn at the hospital. Families also get a brochure listing library programs and a bookmark withsuggested reading for babies.- Infant Storytime- We started an Infant Storytime last September, open to babies’ ages 6-18months and their caregivers. The program is open to 12 families, due to space constraints. Wedo bouncing rhymes, fingerplays, read a big book, sing several songs with lots of movement, andthen at the end each caregiver gets a book to read with their baby. We also have shaker songs,which are a huge hit! Each session has an average attendance of approximately 6 babies. It's aslow but steady process to market the program. Two sessions are offered on Wednesdaymornings and we require pre-registration for the session (if space is available, families can signup mid-session). The sessions run for three months and then we take a break for a month.- Toddler Time- This storytime is for children ages 18-36 months and their caregivers. We havetwo sessions on Monday mornings, and each is open to 20 families. Often, demand is greaterthan available space. We read three books and sing three songs. The songs remain the same, andwe play with shakers for one. Again, the shakers are a huge hit. Each session has an averageattendance of approximately 15 toddlers. We require pre-registration for the session (if space isavailable, families can sign up mid-session). The sessions run for three months and then we takea break for a month.- We go out to local daycares and Head Starts for storytime programs. Most of these, however,would range up into pre-school aged children. We also have a pre-school storytime on Fridaymornings, no registration required. Average attendance is between 20 and 25 children. Weusually read 5 books, sing a few songs, and then sometimes have a flannelboard story or draw-astory.Many of our branches also offer Toddler Storytimes, and our Boonsboro Branch has started anInfant Storytime. We are currently looking into possibilities for a "My First Library Card."Wicomico Library is a member of the Birth to Four Network as is Infants and Toddlers. Here,we are able to share program information offering our Laptime, Time For Two's and Three toFive Story Times, as well as other special programs, to all Infants and Toddler families. We havemade our Children's Program Room available to Infants and Toddlers families for play group andwe encourage the use of all of our library resources, especially our Care and Teaching collection.We also refer customers to the Infants and Toddlers program.Rosemary Morrisrmorris@talb.lib.md.usAbigail AndrewsChildren's DepartmentWashington County Free Library100 South Potomac StreetHagerstown, Maryland 21740(301) 739-3250 ext. 132aandrews@washcolibrary.orgBarbara GrahamYouth Services Manager122 S. Division St.Salisbury, MD 21801bgraham@wicomico.org410-749-3612 ex.124