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Boardman library begins evening story time
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Neighbors | Tim Cleveland.Assistant supervisor of children's works Karen Saunders had the children shake out their hands at the beginning of the Night Owl Story Time at the Boardman library.
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Neighbors | Tim Cleveland.Boardman library assistant supervisor of children's works Karen Saunders held up the finished version of the blackboard project the children work on during the Night Owl Story Time.
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Neighbors | Tim Cleveland.Boardman library assistant supervisor of children's works Karen Saunders read the book "Minerva Louise at School" during the Night Owl Story Time event.
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Neighbors | Tim Cleveland.The children listened intently as Karen Saunders read during the Night Owl Story Time event at the Boardman library.
By TIM CLEVELAND
While the Boardman library has many story time events during the day, it brought back a night story time event on Sept. 17 with the Night Owl Story Time.
“This is our Night Owl Story Time for ages 3-5,” assistant supervisor of children’s works Karen Saunders said. “We’re having an evening story time to accommodate the working parents if they’re not able to get here during the daytime so we’re trying an evening story time to accommodate their schedules. We’re hoping that this time will be good for the preschoolers that’s not too late [with a 6 p.m. start] and they can still get their evening baths and all that good stuff.
“We’ll try to work on the literacy tips for promoting reading.”
Saunders said the Boardman library had a night story time about 10 years ago but dropped it due to lack of interest. She said she wasn’t sure of the frequency it will be done, but added it should be a monthly event starting in January.
“We noticed more of a need in the evening, so we’ll see if this time works out,” she said.
Saunders read the books “Minerva Louise at School,” the “Alpha Block” book and “Boomer Goes to School.” She also led the children in singing “The Wheels on the Bus.”
In addition the children made a chalkboard craft using black construction paper, a piece of cardboard and a stamp to put their name on the front. They were able to use a piece of chalk to write on the board to practice writing letters.
Karen Raghanti of Boardman brought her daughter, Chloe, to the event. She said Chloe is a regular at the library.
“My mom used to take her to the library classes during the day, but now she goes to preschool on those days so we like to come to the library events,” Karen said.
She was asked if she feels Chloe has improved her reading skills by coming to the story times.
“I think it’s a good experience for her and other kids are here,” Karen said
Saunders agreed that story time can positively impact children.
“Story time is a chance to get used to the school setting,” she said. “They’ll have a chance to work with the alphabet, sing songs, that type of thing. It’s a fun time with an enjoyment of books.”