Clapping to the tune of “Ten Little Indians” Morgan Elkins counted out a family of imaginary beavers that Miss Jan introduced to her and her friends at Toddler Time on Tuesday at the Briggs Lawrence Library Ironton Branch.

For a half-hour each week Jan Gullett reads a book or two on a particular topic, interspersing that with join-along songs for the children before working on a craft.

“This is an interesting group,” said Gullett, who has conducted Toddler Time for the past five years. “It’s for 15-months to 3 years and there is a developmental range from the baby to the toddler. Each has different skills and abilities. You never know what to expect from one day to another.”

This week was Averi Meddinger’s first time at the library, but her older brother, Carson, was a regular.

“(Gullett) keeps their attention and is so enthusiastic,” Morgan Medinger, Averi’s mother, said.

For the past six months Penny Heighton has brought her granddaughter, Brynleigh Heighton, to Toddler Time and has watched the child become mature.

“When she first came, she just sat and did not participate,” Heighton said. “Now when she is here, she participates.”

Gullett has a variety of goals she focuses on during Toddler Time from building up community interest in the library to the children’s fine motor skills through craft time.

But the main purpose is to encourage reading.

“We want to develop a love of reading and explore the library,” Gullett said, “And just have fun.”