Tuscarawas County library announces winter storytimes

Storytimes will begin the week of Jan. 19 at all five locations of the Tuscarawas County Public Library System — the Main Library in New Philadelphia and branches in Bolivar, Strasburg, Sugarcreek and Tuscarawas.

“When it’s cold outside, the library provides a great place for kids to interact, play and learn,” said Children’s Services Manager Mary Smrek. “It’s also a great place to participate in fun and free programs designed specifically for early learners.”

Smrek said storytimes benefit both children and caregivers. Parents and caregivers see reading modeled in ways that promote early literacy, while children engage in talking, singing and playing — activities that support overall development and pre-reading skills.

The Winter-Spring Storytime series runs for 10 weeks, from Jan. 19 through March 23, and includes morning, afternoon, evening and Saturday options.

Family storytimes, for children from birth to age 5, are designed for all ages and include songs, stories and interactive fun — Bolivar Branch, Mondays at 10:30 a.m.; Strasburg, Sugarcreek and Tusky branches, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Itty Bitty storytimes, for children from birth to 24 months, are designed for babies and caregivers with songs, stories and activities — Main Library, Mondays at 6 p.m. or Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

Toddler Time storytimes, for children ages 2 to 3, focus on movement, stories, songs and instruments — Main Library, Wednesdays at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m.

Preschool storytimes, for children ages 3 to 5, offer fun and interactive activities — Main Library, Mondays at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m.

Evening family storytimes, for children from birth to age 5, are offered on select Thursdays — Tusky Branch, Jan. 22, March 12 and April 9 at 6 p.m.

Saturday toddler and prekindergarten storytimes, for children ages 2 to 5, include books, movement and music — Main Library, Jan. 24, Feb. 7 and March 14 at 11 a.m.

Smrek said the library will also offer additional early learner programs featuring special themes throughout the season.

Registration for storytimes is available through the library’s online event calendar at tusclibrary.org. Residents may also call the Main Library at 330-364-4474, the Bolivar Branch at 330-874-2720, the Strasburg Branch at 330-878-5711, the Sugarcreek Branch at 330-852-2813 or the Tusky Branch at 740-922-2748. Locations and additional information are available at tusclibrary.org.