My early days of motherhood were punctuated by weekly visits to the Northwest Library where I found programs for my little ones that helped inspire their love of reading. There weren’t many places an exhausted, overwhelmed mama of a 4-year-old, toddler and newborn could feel entirely welcome, but the library was always a place where I knew we’d not only be welcomed but included.
As my three children have grown, so have the programs offered by Metropolitan Library System. Most locations offer early childhood programs every week. Kristin Williamson, children’s services manager for the Metropolitan Library System, shares five impactful ways our local libraries help ensure little ones are school-ready and families are supported.
1. School-readiness skills at story time
Story times are the heart of early childhood programs at most libraries. Traditional sit-down and bilingual story times are a mainstay, but programs also incorporate movement, scavenger hunts, rhyming games and flannel boards or other visuals. The Warr Acres library even hosted an alpaca story time — including a visit from a real alpaca! In addition to having fun, littles ones gain skills they’ll use when they start school.
“Story times teach kids how to follow directions and take turns,” said Williamson. “Getting used to structure and interacting with other kids is really beneficial.”
This intentional time with a parent or caregiver also helps foster a lifelong love of learning.
“It creates a bond and a warm memory of sitting in their caregiver’s lap while reading a book, which helps associate books with love,” said Williamson.
2. Connection to child development experts
Another long-standing program is 123! Play with Me!, where children enjoy a variety of toy stations while parents chat with resource professionals about topics like child development, nutrition, speech and language, school readiness and oral health. Parents may discuss topics from introducing new foods to picky eaters and safe sleep habits to behavior concerns and delays.
“Families can connect to speech pathologists, child development specialists or behavioral therapists who can help determine if a child should be assessed or [needs] resources,” said Williamson. “If a child has a delay or needs early interventions, getting those early helps them be even more prepared to start learning [when they enter school].”
The program is offered at most locations in the spring and fall. Program days and times vary by location.
3. Music & movement appreciation
Regular music and movement classes include Itty Bitty Dance Parties, where kids might wave scarves or maracas to the beat, as professional music teachers lead activities. The Downtown location offers Story Time Jam, where little ones try out a variety of instruments.
“Music is actually an important part of literacy,” said Williamson. “When you’re singing songs and hear the rhythm and syllables, that helps kids break down words into smaller parts, which helps when they are learning to read to break up and sound out words.”
4. Free books!
Of course, parents can check out the wide variety of board books, picture books, easy readers and read-along audiobooks, especially for little ones. But families can also build their home libraries with free books to keep.
Thanks to a partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, patrons of the Metropolitan Library System who live in Oklahoma County can receive free books every month for children under the age of 5. Funding from Friends of the Metropolitan Library System and the State of Oklahoma ensures that any child, from birth to age 5, receives a developmentally appropriate book in the mail every month. Parents and caregivers can sign up at supportmls.org/imagination-
5. Expanded services for patrons with disabilities or sensory sensitivities
In conjunction with community members, families and self-advocates, the Metropolitan Library System has embarked upon a sensory-friendly and ability-inclusive initiative to improve their spaces, services and programs.
“There is this perception that libraries are not a place for kids who have sensory needs, and that is not the case,” said Williamson. “We want to be proactive and are happy to find ways to adapt programs so you can come in with peace of mind knowing this is a place for your family.”
Library staff members receive ongoing training to adapt existing programs to make them more inclusive for individuals with disabilities or sensory sensitivities. The initiative includes programs for people of all ages; for children, several locations will offer sensory play times with smaller groups and lower stimulation activities.
All libraries will soon offer sensory bags available for check out while on site. Bags include items like noise-quieting earmuffs, sunglasses and fidget toys. Visit metrolibrary.org/all-abilities for a full list of community and library-specific resources for those with disabilities and sensory sensitivities.
My family’s frequent library trips helped my little ones develop social skills and a sense of community. I gained camaraderie with other parents and child development experts. As I now watch my (bigger) kids check out library books on their devices with the Libby app, I feel grateful for all the ways those early days spent at the library impact their lives still today.
Learn more about Metropolitan Library System programs and services at metrolibrary.org.
Free autism & child development screenings
In partnership with the Child Studies Center at OU Health, on the first Wednesday of each month a different library location hosts free screenings. Registration is required and appointments are limited. While the screenings don’t necessarily provide an official diagnosis, experts can help identify the child’s needs and connect the family with additional resources to receive a verified diagnosis and early intervention. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 405-231-8650 or visit bit.ly/498HNYJ to sign up.
Upcoming dates and locations:
- Feb. 7 — Ralph Ellison
- March 6 — Southern Oaks
- April 3 — Bethany
- May 1 — The Village
