Early literacy blooms at Hays Public Library

By LAURA DANIEL

Tiger Media Network

Early childhood storytimes are in full swing at the Hays Public Library, offering a variety of engaging activities and enriching learning opportunities for babies and toddlers. Each weekday from Monday through Thursday features a different themed program designed to support early literacy and developmental milestones.

The weekly lineup includes:

• Early Active Reading on Mondays
  
• Sleepy Storytime on Tuesdays
  
• Itty Bitty Storytime on Wednesdays
  
• Interactive Storytime on Thursdays
  

“These early literacy programs are designed for children ages 0 to 5,” said Ashlyn Sager, the library’s Early Literacy coordinator. “Each storytime supports different stages of development. Itty Bitty is for ages 0–2, Early Active Reading and Interactive Storytime are best for ages 3–5, and Sleepy Storytime and ARC Park Storytimes are open to all ages. They’re also a great way for parents to connect and for children to make new friends. All of our programs are free and open to the public—no registration required.”

Sager shared more about each program’s unique benefits.

“Early Active Reading helps kids exercise both their brains and bodies through storytelling that incorporates art, movement, and music,” she said. “Each session includes letter sound review, and it’s held every Monday from 10 to 10:30 a.m., starting June 9.”

Sager said Sleepy Storytime at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays offers a calm, soothing environment where children are encouraged to bring a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Wednesdays feature Itty Bitty Storytime, also at 10 a.m., which is tailored to infants and toddlers with rhymes, fingerplays, and music.

New this summer is Interactive Storytime on Thursdays at 10 a.m. This program gets kids more actively involved by using musical instruments and felt storyboards to bring stories to life.

“My primary goal is to create fun and educational programs that children want to attend and to build meaningful relationships with the families who participate,” Sager said. “Storytimes help children develop attention spans, enhance language skills, and ignite their imaginations.”

Many of these programs are made possible through the support of community partners. This summer, contributors include Sunflower Speech, the Hays Police Department, and even Ashlyn’s mother, Pamela Sager, who will help lead special sessions.