By Susan Sitz
Boone County Public Library
There are many things to love about the library as a parent—lots of books, a fun and safe place for your children to explore and play, and storytimes designed especially for your child’s age. But did you know that the Boone County Public Library offers all these things for babies, too?
A lifetime of learning and literacy begins at birth.
In the first four years of life, the brain increases to 80 percent of its adult weight. The brain then begins to prune connections based on experience.
Connections used regularly become stronger and more complex. Connections not used are considered non-essential, and the brain eventually prunes them away to increase efficiency.
What this means is, the more connections you help your baby make early on in life, the better off your child will be—creating a child who is ready to learn when kindergarten begins and ready for a lifetime of learning beyond, too.
With an expansive collection of wonderful board books for babies, BCPL helps you to help your baby love books.
Don’t worry if all your baby wants to do is chew on the book—that is how they learn. Modeling how to turn pages, pointing out favorite things (“Look, it’s a dog! We have a dog, too!”), and simply sharing a love of reading will do wonders for your baby.
Should my baby be rolling over by now? Why does he put his foot in his mouth? When will she laugh?
If you are wondering about your baby’s development, BCPL has staff members who are trained to administer the ASQ Ages and Stages Questionnaire. It is a quick snapshot of your baby’s development.
Visitors simply mark a few answers on five different developmental areas, then discuss the results. It is a great way to learn more about a baby’s development and where they are heading. Whether you are just curious to know how things are going or are concerned that your baby may have developmental delays, it is a great first step. BCPL will come to the branch that is most convenient for you.
To schedule an appointment, call 859-342-2665, extension 8138.
Best of all, the library offers Baby Time.
You might wonder what in the world you do at a baby storytime…mostly, have fun. Babies just love storytime.
Peek in the window one morning and you’ll see lots of babies who are learning about so many things while they have a wonderful time.
Storytime is a great way to bond with your little one, cuddling up together while you learn new rhymes, songs, and knee bounces to share at home, too. Babies’ brains are like sponges—bringing your baby to storytime supplies you and your baby with the fuel she needs to learn how to read when kindergarten comes around.
Baby Time also offers both you and your baby a chance to get out and socialize with parents and caregivers who are experiencing the same milestones that you are.
This is especially important for you new mommies and daddies who are feeling overwhelmed! Lifelong friendships are made at storytime—not just for babies, but for you too!
Baby Time is a free opportunity for you to bond with your baby in a safe and fun environment while sharing your love of the library with your baby.
BCPL will offer Baby Time again in the fall at the Main and Scheben locations. Times are Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at the Main library and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. at the Scheben branch. The fall session begins the week of September 8.
Susan Sitz has been a Youth Services Associate with BCPL for nearly eleven years. She has worked with children and teens of all ages, but loves getting to work with babies and toddlers best.