Sandpoint, ID

One of my favorite things to do with my daughter is read with her. I have always been a great book reader, and wanted my daughter to turn towards books, instead of television, to fuel her imagination. I have read to her since before she was born, and when she was about a month old I started checking out books from the library to read with her. That is when I first heard about “Book Babies.”

Book Babies is a half-hour program for parents and children hosted by the children’s librarian at the Sandpoint library. It is every Friday morning, beginning at 10:30 AM, in the children’s section of the library.

I finally had my first opportunity to take my daughter last fall. Up until then, my now 19-month-old daughter was napping during the slated time. Soon after her first birthday she dropped her morning nap, making it easy for us to try out Book Babies. And we’ve been faithful participants ever since!

Sitting in a large circle, either on the floor or in chairs, we sing songs and recite nursery rhymes, all led by the librarian. Then the librarian brings out a puppet to welcome each child individually. Next, the librarian reads a story to all, which is followed by the opportunity for the parents to read with their children from provided books. A few more songs and rhymes, and story time is officially over. Unofficially, the mothers – and yes, on occasion there is a dad there – spend time chit-chatting and visiting while the children play with the provided puppets.

Book Babies has been a great resource for me in so many ways. Not only have I learned new songs and rhymes to sing with my daughter at home, but I’ve forged new relationships with other mothers. This weekly outing is something that, as a stay-at-home mom, I look forward to. It’s a great place to network and socialize, both for my and my child. While the actual event is only a half-hour, we usually spend up over an hour there.

But what’s the best thing about Book Babies? For me, it’s truly the opportunity to nurture my daughter’s interest in books and songs. I’m so glad that our library has provided us with this awesome avenue for learning. I highly encourage any parent to bring their young reader to Book Babies. It’s really a lot of fun! And we always come home with a pile o’ books!

To learn more, you can contact the children’s librarian at (208) 263-6930 ext 211.

The library is located on the corner of Cedar Street and Division Street. Bathroom facilities – complete with baby changing station – are available. Book Babies is a free service provided by the library, and available for children up to two years, although they won’t kick you out if your child is older than that. By the way, there is talk of a “toddler storytime” in works, and I look forward to that as well!