The Deptford library has a new monthly reading program for families to gather and listen to stories with each other.
The next Family Storytime session is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday. The free program was established in January by Sarah Kramer, the new children’s librarian at the facility. It is a chance for families to bond with each other as it raises their awareness of children’s literacy.
“There’s no tech, no gimmicks – just good books and time spent with loved ones,” said Library Director Jenna Andrews. “There’s no overestimating the importance of children’s literacy, and hearing stories as a family serves as a bonding event.
Children’s stories are chosen for the program and vary on a monthly basis. Past titles include “Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great” and “Chez Bob,” both by Bob Shea, as well as “Weather Together” and “Perfectly Pegasus,” by Jessie Sima. Saturday’s stories will be “Buffalo Fluffalo,” by Bess Kalb, and “The Hiccupotamus,” by Aaron Zenz.
“Buffalo Fluffalo” is the story of a buffalo who tries to act bigger than he really is. Kalb is an Emmy-nominated writer, according to book publisher Penguin Random House. “The Hiccupotamus” is about a hippopotamus with a case of the hiccups, who reaches out to his animal friends to find a cure.
Family Storytime attendees do not to be library-card holders and there is no registration required. The next session will take place in April; an exact date has not yet been determined.
Among other events for kids at the library are the Elementary Story Hour – for those age 5 to 11 – the Lego Club and the Science Club.
