Like most parents, I’m constantly worrying about whether my daughter is developing at a regular pace. I try to read to her as much as possible to keep her on the right track, but I can only read the same story so many times before I start to go a little crazy. Luckily, there are tons of great storytime programs in the area to take some of the pressure off us parents.
Creativity Corner at Barnes & Noble
Address: 4940 Monroe St., Toledo, OH 43623
Schedule: Click here to see a full schedule
Admission Fee: None
Barnes & Noble stores everywhere offer different renditions of storytime. The Creativity Corner offered at the Monroe Street location follows each story with a craft that kids can take home. This program is available for kids of all ages, and is held on Fridays and Saturdays.
Positively Portable Preschool
Locations:
- Black Kite Coffee and Pies: 2499 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo, OH 43620
- Glass City Roasters: 1240 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH 43612
- Plate 21: 3664 Rugby Drive, Toledo, OH 43614
Schedule:
- Black Kite Coffee & Pies: Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
- Glass City Roasters: Saturday, 11:30 a.m.
- Plate 21: Saturday, 2 p.m.
Admission Fee: None
The Positively Portable Preschool storytime, run by Denice Rokicki or “Teacher Denice,” is a weekly program held every Saturday. Teacher Denice holds storytime throughout the day at three locations in the area.
She engages the children through interactive storytelling with songs and props, and she even incorporates sign language whenever possible. The program lasts about 45 minutes, leaving enough time for you to sit back and enjoy a coffee (or two… nobody’s judging) while your little one socializes with other kids and sings along.
My daughter has gone to this program every Saturday for the last four months, and I cannot believe how much she has learned from Teacher Denice.
Science Story Time at Imagination Station
Address: Little KidsSpace Science Studio @ 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, OH 43604
Schedule: Click here to see a full schedule
Admission Fee: Children (3-12), $9 | Children (13+)/Adults, $11 | Seniors (65+), $10 | Children ages 2 and under are free
While the Imagination Station requires an admission fee for kids 3 and up, the price is worth it for this program. This one is a science-based interactive program offered throughout the week.
At Science Story Time, kids will listen to a storybook and have the opportunity to create a fun project that they’ll get to take home with them.
Storytime at Kathy’s Confections
Address: 2746 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH 43613
Schedule: Saturday, 10 a.m.
Admission Fee: None
This is a brand spankin’ new program that debuted in January 2017. Each week, this storytime features different storytellers, ranging from teachers to dentists and even Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson herself.
Kathy’s Confections storytime takes place every Saturday at 10 a.m., with a children’s music circle following immediately after.
Storytime at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library
Locations: Click here to find your nearest Toledo-Lucas County Public Library branch
Schedule: Schedules vary by location
Admission Fee: None
The TLCPL has earned countless recognitions for the programs it makes available to its patrons. Their regularly held storytime activities are among their most popular offerings.
For younger kids, the TLCPL offers Babytime (0-18 months), Toddler Storytime (18 months to 3 years) and Family Storytime (2 to 5 years). These programs focus on developing early literacy skills by singing, dancing and using rhythm and rhyme to foster an early love of reading.
Each branch offers the programs that best serve the age ranges in their area.
And if you cannot make story hour one day, consider hiring a sitter to take your little one!
