Positively Philadelphia: Weekly Storytime at the Free Library
By Lauren Lipton
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Outside there was a quick burst of snow, but inside the Independence branch of the Free Library, on 7th Street below Market, the weekly toddler storytime, "Winter Tales for Cozy Times," was getting underway.
"We have wonderful storytelling featuring brand new picture books, favorite classics," says the librarian, who goes by Miss Margaret (far right in top photo). "We also have cheery singalongs, and we do a lot of craft projects which you can do here or take home with you."
Miss Margaret says the project this week was making a mitten and coloring animals, to go along with books on mittens and animals.
"We also have library card registration," she said. "We also offer what we call our 'Read, Baby, Read' library cards for first-time library users."
We interviewed some of the little ones, who seemed to be having a great time.
"I like to color," said one little girl.
And what was she coloring?
"A bear and a fox, and an owl."
Had he joined the singalong?
"Yes."
Does he like to sing?
"Yes."
And what's his favorite song?
"Umm...'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.' "
Did he want to sing a little bit of it for us?
"No."
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Moms like the Free Library storytimes, too.
"I think it helps them learn to sit and pay attention to stories and books," said one mother. "And they love the craft projects."
"The kids adore it, and it's the high point of my job, just to see so many fresh, happy, smiling faces," adds Miss Margaret.
Hear the CBS Philly podcast (runs 2:32)...
Storytime at the Free Library
The toddler storytimes are every Thursday morning. The program is intended for children between 18 months and four years of age.
For more information go to freelibrary.org.
And, for this week, that's "Positively Philadelphia!"
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