Storytime FAQ

Why should I bring my child to storytime?
Storytime is a great learning experience for your child! Not only will it build imagination, listening skills and the love of reading, but it also exposes kids to the six pre-literacy skills they need to be ready to read. Plus they can interact with children their own age.

Why do you break storytime down by age? They are all the same anyway, right?
No! Each of our storytimes is specifically designed with that age group in mind. We take into consideration brain development, motor skills and the six pre-literacy skills when planning storytimes. Each storytime focuses on different elements to best benefit your child.

As children get older they may find some of the elements in the younger storytime sessions boring and they may act out, stop paying attention or refuse to enter the storytime room. These are all signs that your child may be ready for the next storytime step.

We strongly encourage that you attend the storytime that is in line with the age of your child as that is how they will get the most out of this service.

My child is walking, but I would like to attend Infant Storytime.

Infant Storytime is highly specialized for very young children up to 11 months old who have not yet begun to walk. It is a lapsit program, and it is designed for a very limited audience. Children that are already walking have very different needs, which are addressed more appropriately in our Toddler Times on Fridays. Families without an infant pre-walker 0 - 11 months old will not be allowed to participate in Infant Storytime to ensure the safety and learning experience of our youngest patrons.

What are the six pre-literacy skills and why do they matter?
Pre-literacy is what you know about reading before you actually learn to read. The six pre-literacy skills are: vocabulary (words), print motivation (books), narrative skills (story), print awareness (interaction), letter knowledge (alphabet) and phonological awareness (sounds). These six skills help ensure success in reading and school. They are a major part of storytime. For more information on each of the skills, please go to our Early Literacy page.

Why do I have to have tickets for storytime?
Due to fire code, there is a limited number of people we can allow in the storytime room. The tickets help us ensure we do not go over that limit.

Tickets are free and available on storytime day. You cannot get tickets for a future storytime. They are only available the day of that particular program.

We ask that all family members be present for tickets. In other words, please don’t get tickets for friends who have not actually arrived yet.

Do you actually ever run out of tickets for storytime?
Yes, which is why we recommend you come about 10 minutes prior to start time. The Big Kid Storytime on Wednesday at 10:45 am and the Toddler Times on Fridays at 10 am and 10:45 am are very popular.

Can I bring older or younger siblings to storytime?
Yes. However, we recommend that if you can only attend one storytime, you come to the one that is appropriate for your oldest child. Usually, younger kids will follow the example of what big brother or sister is doing and learn right along with them.

You may also want to consider attending Family Storytime on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm. This is an all-ages program and fun for the whole family.

How can I prepare my child for storytime?
Talk to your child about what to expect. Let them know there will be songs, rhymes, books and music. Get them excited about meeting new friends including puppets and library staff.

Do I have to come in with my child?
Yes, all children must be accompanied by an adult.

What if my child starts crying or gets fussy?
It is absolutely ok to leave in the middle of any storytime and bring your child back after he/she calms down. Actually, we prefer it! It is also ok to leave storytime early and try again next week. Don’t feel like you have to force your child to attend. We want this to be a positive experience for everyone.

Why do you repeat the same songs/rhymes/flannels every week?
Repetition is how young children learn. Repeating elements help kids feel secure because they know what is coming up next. Depending on the age group, different elements are repeated. Often this repetition is emphasizing an important skill like reciting the alphabet song every week, which helps kids learn letters.

Can I bring my daycare or homeschool group to storytime?
Due to the popularity of our regularly scheduled storytimes, we typically cannot accommodate large groups. Please call Ofilia at 972-516-6258 to discuss alternative options for your group.

May I film/record or take pictures during storytime?
Feel free to take pictures or film your own family members, but please do not film or take pictures of storytime staff without asking the presenters first. No flash photography is allowed at any time as it is very distracting to the presenters and other storytime attendees.

I would like like to observe a storytime. What do I do?
As a rule, we do not allow adults without children in to storytime; however, we do allow students to observe when advance notice is given. Please call the Children’s Desk 972-516-6267 and let us know when you want to come and we will get your information so we can save you a spot. We ask for 48 hours advanced notice. We only allow two students to observe at one time, so if you show up without advance notice, you may not be allowed to observe that day.