Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library

Children's Programs

The following programs are planned or in progress. Come, try them!
	Afternoon Adventure Club Lapsit Preschool Storytime Summer Reading Program

Preschool Storytime

This is an independent storytime where children sit and listen to stories all by themselves. It is aimed at children aged 3 to 5 years. Preschool storytime is designed to introduce children to books and libraries in a positive, enjoyable way. The program time averages 45 minutes to 1 hour and includes a variety of stories, fingergames, action rhymes and perhaps a craft or film. Along with aiding the development of listening and motor skills, preschool storytime is also a time when children can learn socialization skills with children their own age.

To help provide an optimal learning atmosphere for your child during storytime, we have provided for parents/caregivers the following Storytime Guidelines:

Storytime children should be mature enough to attend storytime without parental supervision. Sometimes only a month or two in your child's development can make a big difference in his readiness for storytime.

If a child is new to storytime and reluctant to attend without a parent then we suggest that you attend with your child the first one or two times. When parents find it necessary to attend they should participate along with the storytime children by sitting on the floor & interacting with the stories and fingergames. (no cell phones please)

Parents and younger siblings should wait outside the storyroom. We ask that you stay in the library nearby at all times while your child is in storytime to make sure that your child knows where you are and does not feel abandoned.

If you arrive after storytime has already started, send your child in quietly so as not to distract from storytime.

Please notify the library ahead of time if you wish to bring several children. If you have more than 15 children, we ask that you book a separate storytime or call about attending Fantastic Friday. 757-5314

Our goal is for everyone to have a good time and help you nurture your child's love of books and the library.

For dates and times click the location you would like to attend:

Downtown

Eastgate Northgate

Ooltewah-Collegedale South Chattanooga

Afternoon Adventure Club

This is a program for children aged 6 to 10 years old. Afternoon Adventure Club is designed to introduce children to books and libraries in a positive, enjoyable way. The program time averages 45 minutes to 1 hour and includes a variety of stories and activities. Along with aiding the development of listening and motor skills, Afternoon Adventure Club is also a time when children can learn socialization skills with children their own age.

As help in providing an optimal learning atmosphere for your child during storytime, we have provided for parents/caregivers the following Adventure Club Guidelines:

Children should be mature enough to attend without parental supervision. Basic craft skills are needed to participate: cutting, pasting, drawing, etc.

Parents and younger siblings should wait outside the storyroom. We ask that you stay in the library nearby at all times while your child is in Adventure Club to make sure that your child knows where you are.

Please notify the library ahead of time if you wish to bring several children. If you have more than 15 children, we ask that you book a separate program.

Our goal is for everyone to have a good time and help you nurture your child's love of books and the library.

For dates and times click the location you would like to attend:

Downtown

Eastgate Northgate

Ooltewah-Collegedale South Chattanooga

Lapsit

Lapsit is a free program for children 18 - 36 months old along with a parent. Lapsit is 20 to 30 minutes long and is held in a 6-week series of sessions. Pre-registration is required, with a limited number of space available for toddlers. The program is designed to be a positive, pleasant introduction to libraries, good books, stories and activities. Lapsit is also an introduction for the parent or caregiver to the variety of library materials available.

To provide a positive experience for all who participate and to make each child comfortable in the library setting, we ask for your cooperation and assistance as follows:

Only one toddler per parent should attend lapsit programs.

Lapsit should be discussed with your child before coming. Explain that there will be puppets and that we will participate together in stories, songs, and activities.

The parent is expected to remain with the child and to participate fully, helping the child to follow the leader's directions.

Even though your child may not be actively involved, he still may be learning by watching and listening.

Do not force participation, but gently encourage.

If your child becomes restless or uncooperative, please feel free to leave and join in again later.

There should be no eating or drinking in the library.

Parents are welcome to visit with each other before or after the sessions. Lapsit is meant to be a shared time for the child and parent and talking during the program should be limited to class participation.

Attendance is important because the activities each week build on skills learned the week before. Call if you are unable to attend.

Punctuality is essential. Arriving early allows your child to settle down and be ready for Lapsit.

Folders are provided for the weekly handouts. Bring your folder to each session.

If you choose library materials before the program starts, please allow staff to hold them for you, as they can be a distraction during Lapsit.

Thank-you for your cooperation. We look forward to meeting you and your toddler, and helping nurture your toddler's love of books, reading and the library.

For dates and times click the location you would like to attend:

Ooltewah-Collegedale Eastgate

Downtown Northgate

Summer Reading Program

To encourage reading in the summer months, the library hosts a Summer Reading Program for children ages birth to 12th grade. The program begins with kick-off activities and ends with a Grand Finale event for those who complete. At registration, participants are given a log book to record all the books they read or listen to over the summer and those who read at least 10 books receive a certificate. Every year the program is centered around the Tennessee State Library's Summer Reading Program theme. This summer the theme will be "Starship Adventure @ Your Library." For more information, please call the Children's Department at (423)757-5314.

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Downtown
Eastgate	Northgate
Ooltewah-Collegedale	South Chattanooga