Storytime Policy

For safety reasons, please do not leave
your young child alone in the Children's Department!

Before Storytime...

• Arrive 10 minutes early to allow for parking, taking off coats, using the rest room, signing in, and getting a nametag. Your child will be relaxed and ready to participate in the program.
• Remember that each Storytime is designed for a specific age group, but developmental levels vary. Please use your best judgement as to whether or not this is the appropriate Storytime for your child.
• Children under age 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while in the library.
  

While Storytime is in session...

• The curtain will be closed. If you are more than 5 minutes late, please do something else in the library: read a book together, play with the toys, and try again next time!
• A responsible adult must attend Storytime with children under age 3. Parents or caretakers of children over age 3 may wait outside the program room or join their children for the session.
• Children learn by watching, which is why you must show your child how to "go to Storytime". Please refrain from conversations with other adults or use of a cell phone so that your children learn to be attentive, active participants.
• Please remember, no food or drinks are allowed in Storytime.
• Sometimes children change their minds about being at Storytime or realize that they have had enough. They squirm, cry, or don't want to participate. These are usually signs that they want to leave. If your child is fidgeting or unhappy, please quietly take your child out of the room. Once you leave the room, please do not re-enter since it can be disruptive to the other children. There will be another Storytime, another day, so try to make the library time pleasant for everyone!
• The craft is only for the children who have attended that particular Storytime. If your child did not participate in the story portion of the program, please do not bring him/her back to do the craft.
• For your child's safety, please instruct him/her not to walk on the heater, or bang on the windows.

After Storytime...

Greet your child promptly in the play or craft area if you did not join us for the session. Storytime lasts approximately 30 minutes.

• Plan to check out books and tapes for you and your child to share at home. The library staff is always happy to offer suggestions.
• Encourage your child to put away any toys he/she uses. Every child who cleans up the play area receives a sticker for being a good helper.
• When you leave the Children's Department, please be mindful of other library patrons. Watch your child and remind him/her to be quiet so other people will not be disturbed.
• When using the elevator in the Children's Department, remember to stay behind the purple Safety Line.  Wait until the doors open completely and other people get out before entering the elevator.

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Stratford Library Association
2203 Main St., Stratford, CT 06615
203-385-4165