Nancy Handy has seen children’s programming at public libraries flourish, as more parents seek affordable alternatives to pricey daycares and preschool activities.
“The downturn of the economy really boosts the role of the public library,” said Handy, Mooresville Public Library’s new youth services director. Her goal is to offer more children’s activities.
Prior to joining Mooresville Public Library in November, Handy served as a librarian at Middle Country Public Library in Long Island, N.Y. She worked there since 1998. She’s been eyeing a move to Mooresville ever since her parents and sister’s family moved here.
One of her goals in Mooresville involves collaborating more with the community. For example, the library works with the Iredell County Partnership for Children to offer children up to three years old a play program that introduces them to topics pertaining to child development and nutrition.
Mooresville Public Library has unveiled its latest youth services schedule. Several of the preschool programs started during the first week in January.
Programs such as “Baby & Me” and “Just 4 Me Story Time” specialize in building early literacy skills through play – a popular theme among library preschool activities, Handy said.
“The purpose is to give children before they enter kindergarten that head start on being socially active around literature,” she said.
The Mooresville Public Library is hosting several youth services programs. For events that require advance registration, go to the library’s website, www.mooresvillelibrary.org, to register.
Programs are as follows:
• Baby & Me – An interactive early literacy program featuring infant toys, board books, simple songs, movement activities, nursery rhymes and fingerplays. Offered Fridays at 10 a.m. for parents and children ages birth to 23 months.
• Side by Side Story Time – Listen to stories and sing songs that will enhance early literacy skills. Offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for parents and children 2 to 3 years old.
• Just 4 Me Story Time – Read, sing, dance, do fingerplays, play with some instruments and the parachute to develop early literacy skills. Offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. for children 4 to 5 years old without parent.
• Toddlers Explore – Explore activities that will stimulate your toddler’s senses. Offered Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for parents and children ages 2 to 3 years old.
• Nursery Rhyme Time – Celebrate Mother Goose through rhymes and activities. Offered on select Thursdays, including Jan. 20, at 11 a.m. for parents and children ages 2 to 3 years old. Registration required.
• Kids Create! – Create and take home art. Offered on select Thursdays, including Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. for parents and children ages 2 to 5 years old. Registration required.
• Kids Boogie! – Sing and bounce to music using instruments, props and developmentally appropriate movement. Offered on select Thursdays, including Jan. 13, at 11 a.m. for ages 3 to 5 years old.
• Muppet Mayhem – Watch a puppet performance, play with hand puppets and create a puppet to take home. Offered on select Thursdays, including Jan. 27, at 11 a.m. for parents and children ages 2 to 5 years old. Registration required.
• Make It, Take It – Make a different craft each month to take home. Offered on select Saturdays, including Jan. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for all ages.
• Family Movie – Watch a movie with family. Snacks are allowed, bottled water only. Offered on select Saturdays, including Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. for all ages.
• Page Turners – Children in third through fifth grades discuss a different book each month. Children get the book to keep. Boys are invited to discuss “Captain Underpants” at 4 p.m. Jan. 24. Girls are invited to discuss “Ellie McDoodle, Have Pen Will Travel” at 4 p.m. Feb. 21. Registration required.
• Afterschool Antics – Explore thematic days through activities, crafts and games. Offered on select Wednesdays, including Jan. 19, at 4 p.m. for children in kindergarten through second grade. Registration required.
• Afterschool Craft – Create an art project. Offered on select Mondays, including Jan. 10, at 4 p.m. for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Registration required.
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