Program introduces toddlers to books

Clapping their hands and spinning around the room, toddlers interacted with the music as Jan Gullett, library assistant at Briggs Lawrence County Library, sang “If You’re Happy and You Know It” during Toddler Time at the library on Tuesday.

Toddler Time is a weekly programoffered at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays by Briggs Library Ironton branch to toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years old.

“It’s a service we offer to families,” said Gullett. “You get to introduce them to books.”

During Toddler Time, toddlers can participate in crafts, play games and sing songs that Gullett said promote early literacy skills in toddlers.

“We do songs, we read stories and books,” she said. “It’s a good starting point for families to get (toddlers) exposed to books.”

Sitting quietly, toddlers listened as Gullett read “Breathe,” a children’s picture book about a whale.

“I think it’s a good way to introduce children to the library and for them to get a love of reading,” said Carrie Lafon, who brought her children Levi and Emerie to Toddler Time.

Attending Toddler Time is something Levi gets excited about, said Lafon.

In addition to providing toddlers the opportunity to participate in activities and listen to stories, Toddler Time provides toddlers the opportunity to socialize with other children, said Gullett.

Shanna Adkins brought Zachary, her 3-year-old son, to Toddler Time to give him the opportunity to interact with other children and listen to stories.

“I just think it’s a good opportunity to let them hear stories,” said Adkins. “ He likes to listen to people read to him. He really enjoyed it last week.”