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Have an itch for some adventure, giggles, and fun hands-on activities? Look no further than Salem’s local public library! Best of all, there is no entrance fee and children of all ages are welcome. Bring the babies and young toddlers for interactive story times and songs to “shake their sillies out!” Peruse the children’s section for board books, early pre reading stages books, and even chapter books for more advanced young readers. Be sure to check out the Discovery Room (the current theme is Ready, Set, Go: Cars, Trains, and Planes) for lots of curious activities and snag a Toddler Tote before you leave. Toddler Totes are wonderful kits for little hands that contain books and take-home activities all packaged up in a ready-to-wear backpack.
In addition, your local public library houses an unending supply of resources for parents of young children like videos, movies, books on parenting, and e-readers to check out. It truly is a central station for all kinds of parent resources in our community.
According to Karen Fisher, Youth Services Manager, there are two “hidden treasures” not to be overlooked at the library. The first one is The Lily Pad: Early Literacy Newsletter (see link below). This seasonal newsletter is geared towards families with young children. It contains rhyming songs, monthly book spotlights, and easy how-to tips to help your young child develop a lifelong love of reading. It’s perfect to print out and show to your child to build anticipation of all the fun events that you can participate in.
The second “must see” recommended by Karen are the unique youtube action rhyme videos made up by staff (see link below). These quick videos show the actual staff singing some of the popular songs that are often sung during storytime. Some of the songs accompanied with a youtube video are A ram sam sam, La araña pequenita, I’m a little cuckoo clock, and Bumpin’ up and down in my little red wagon. Parents can access these videos online with their children and then recognize some familiar songs and faces once they arrive to storytime.
There are so many more wonderful resources available at the library just waiting for parents and children to tap into. To quote Karen Fisher, “. . .this is just the tip of the iceberg!”
The Salem Public Library is located at:
585 Liberty St SE Salem, OR 97301 Phone:(503) 588-6315
Operating Hours:
Mon. Closed, Tues. – Thurs. 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Fri. – Sat. 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sun. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Parenting Hub would love to hear about activities and resources for parents and young children that are available at your local public library. Please send your comments to: parentinghub@earlylearninghub.org
OTHER RESOURCES:
The Lily Pad Early Literacy Newsletter for the Salem Public Library
http://www.cityofsalem.net/Departments/Library/EventsAndPrograms/children/Documents/Fall%202015.pdf
Salem Public Library – Children & Families – Songs & Fingerplays
Marion County Libraries
http://www.co.marion.or.us/CS/CFC/Findhelp/libraries.htm
Polk County Libraries
http://www.co.polk.or.us/ms/libraries
What’s Happening at the Salem Public Library for Children & Families
http://www.cityofsalem.net/Departments/Library/EventsAndPrograms/children/Pages/default.aspx
Salem Public Library
