NORWAY – The library is offering a new program to parents of young children, which will help parents learn how to playfully expose youngsters to stories, reading and creativity.
“It’s all about literacy,” library Director Ann Siekman said Tuesday, “serving young children, getting them involved with finger plays, little crafts.” The library’s children’s services coordinator, Karen Ellis, added, “and poems, nursery rhymes and songs.”
“All of the things that build interest in stories and reading, which will serve them as they go along,” Siekman finished.
The program is paid for by a grant from the Sandy River Charitable Foundation, based in Farmington. The foundation covered the training of library staff and contributed $3,500 toward books on parenting and play materials.
Norway Memorial Library is only one of three Maine libraries implementing the program, called the Family Place Library. The program is based on a national model used by 200 libraries in 25 states, Siekman said. The other two are the libraries in Wilton and Hallowell.
Six more libraries in Maine have been chosen to start the program in the next two years, all with help from the foundation.
Ten children, between the ages of 1 and 3, will be selected to participate, accompanied by an adult. The program starts March 13. It will have five morning sessions over five weeks.
Anyone is eligible, and there are no fees.
Downstairs in the library, the multipurpose room will be converted into a classroom-like setting, with stations for dramatic play, craft, manipulative materials, books and puzzles. The children can float around as they wish, and library staff with help guide them.
For the parent, Ellis said, “We will show them things they can do at home with their child.”
Also, four professionals will join the group for one day to answer questions, including a nutritionist, a speech and hearing expert, a child development and play expert, and a movement and physical development specialist.
“There are a lot of new parents who need a little introduction” to parenting, Ellis said.
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