Library story time keeps children engaged with books, songs and crafts

MOSES LAKE — Books are meant to be read, and children’s books are meant to be read aloud. And at the Moses Lake Public Library, that’s what happens. 

“We have our regular preschool story time on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30,” said children’s librarian Zach Walker. “We … have sensory story time the second and fourth Fridays of the month. On the third Friday of every third month, we have the fire department come by to do a story time as well as a demonstration of their gear and equipment. That one is always very popular. I think the quietest one was like 30 (children).” 

It used to be story times were separated out by the children’s ages, said Librarian Connie Baulne, who schedules and arranges the events. There was one story time for babies, another for toddlers, and another for preschool children. But after the COVID-19 pandemic, when the library’s staffing and hours changed, the team decided to make all of them pre-kindergarten. 

“We have found that when you have families that have multiple kids, it's hard to bring just the little guys or just the older ones,” Baulne said. “Zach and (Librarian Maira Sanchez) are great at stacking multi-age programs, but story time gets a little trickier.” 

The story times aren’t all about sitting still and listening to a book, Walker said. 

“For the standard preschool story times, we have a 50-50 split between stories and songs, and then doing a craft towards the end,” he said. “Usually we try to have a craft that fits in with the theme of what we were reading, but it can be difficult to always find something that's easy to do and mass-produced for upwards of 30, 40 children.” 

Sitting still isn’t essential even in the reading phase, Baulne said. 

“It's OK if your child needs to stand, if they need to get up wander around,” she said. “They're still paying way more attention than you know, and that's OK. We've trained our staff really well how to deal with all of the things that could possibly come up, (like when) you’ve got a little one trying to climb in your lap, and you're trying to hold a book, and there's bodily fluids involved. You just roll with it.” 

“That's a big reason we integrate a lot of songs and story songs in between stories,” Walker said. “That way, we can get those wiggles out. A lot of these do also involve some hand gestures and moving around … One of the big songs we do is called ‘Popcorn Kernels.’ Each of the kids gets a little scarf that they then have to scrunch up into their hands, and then they shake it around, and then eventually it pops. That one's always a fun one." 

Some of the story times are specialized, like the twice-a-month sensory story time, geared toward children on the autism spectrum or who have other conditions that make it difficult for them to handle noise, bright lights or sudden changes. 

“We have a visual schedule for helping to ground our children, (so they) know what we’re doing: We’re going to do a song, and then after that we have a story, and then after that we have another song. (that way) there’s no surprises. We know where we are and we know what we’re doing at the time.” 

For those young listeners who need them, the library also keeps weighted plushies, a sensory blackout tent and noise-canceling headphones, Walker said. 

“Some kids will take more advantage of them than others,” he said. “It is a spectrum, so no size fits all.” 

In September, the library plans to bring back its bilingual story time, which is popular with whole families, Baulne said. 

Many times, story time will feature a guest, Walker said. Sometimes it’s the Columbia Basin Conservation District, and the book is nature-themed. Sometimes, Kids Hope brings Valor the comfort dog, and the children get to pet him while they hear a story about safety. And of course, there’s the fire department. 

“If they're not being called out, we get the truck out here as well,” Walker said. “The last one we had, in June, they unfortunately did have a call they had to go respond to, so we had to cut it a little short. But otherwise we read a story about fire safety. We go over ‘This is what a firefighter (does), this is what their gear looks like’ and give a tour of the truck.” 

Being read to in the early years can have a lasting effect on a child’s relationship with literature. Walker has been the children’s librarian for four years, and he said he’s beginning to see children he used to read to checking out books of their own. 

“We have at least one little kid who has informed all of us at the library staff that she is going to work here one day, and she is going to be best friends with all of us,” he said. “And, you know, more power to her. We love seeing that.” 

Coming in August 

Summer Storytime: Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.

Library staff thoughtfully design each storytime to support early childhood development by fostering a love of books, building early literacy skills, and supporting language development. Through stories, songs, and interactive play, children learn to listen, follow directions, and engage with others – essential skills for kindergarten readiness. Don’t miss an extra special guest on Aug. 12, when we will be joined by Valor, a local facility dog from Kid’s Hope. Kids can snuggle and pet our gentle, furry friend while enjoying stories and songs. 

Storytime for Adults with Special Needs: Thursdays 10:30 a.m.

Library staff welcome adults with special needs for an engaging storytime with songs and crafts that promote literacy, social connection, and emotional well-being. These programs provide meaningful routines, helping participants feel seen, respected and included. 

Sensory Storytime: Aug. 8 & 22: 10:30 a.m.

Families are invited to sensory storytime designed for children who are neurodivergent or have sensory processing challenges. Library staff offer a welcoming, low-stimulation environment where children can engage with stories, songs, and activities at their own pace. With adaptive materials, visual supports, and a flexible structure, sensory storytime supports early literacy while honoring individual needs. 

SOURCE: North Central Washington Libraries 

    Kids Hope Facility Dog Valor is the guest of honor – and much petting and snuggling – at a Moses Lake Library story time.
  

    The Moses Lake Fire Department pays a visit to the library’s story time to show children their gear and talk about what firefighters do.