Library Programs Help Children Learn Love of Reading

By Lauren D. Yee

In a world of computerized gadgets and virtual communication, reading is rarely promoted. But every week librarians around the City teach young children and remind parents the value of reading at toddler lapsits and preschool storytimes.

Reading is something Richmond branch librarian Ruth Maginnis heartily stands by.

"Children are not reading as much because they are spending more time watching a screen or TV," she said. "The library holds the programs to attract people to the library and introduce them to books. We remind parents that child librarians are able and ready."

Introducing children to reading in their early years is crucial, according to Maginnis, who added that learning to read later on in life can be extremely difficult. This is why many of these programs, such as the preschool "storytimes" and "toddler lapsits," are geared towards the very young.

"It's a fun introduction to the library for children," she said of the children's programs. "You need to introduce children really early to books before it becomes really hard to read."

In addition to introducing children to books, Maginnis sees the programs as a chance for young children to explore and interact - a direct contrast to the stodgy library that many expect.

Maginnis said she tells parents at the lapsits to "let the children wander around if they want" since she "doesn't want the children to be regimented at one-and-a-half years old."

"The lapsits teach children what the library is, and that it's OK to have fun and be silly," Presidio branch librarian Cathy Bremer said.

Though the Presidio branch has canceled its lapsits and storytimes until September, Bremer said her branch has the biggest turnout for lapsits in the entire library.

The popularity of such programs has been tremendous at other branches as well. One such library is the Parkside branch, where Librarian Pat Dimmick claims the special program attendance can range from 160 to 170 people.

"We've been overwhelmed," Dimmick said. "It's scary when you have 60 people there trying to do the hokey pokey."

To keep from turning away eager parents and children, Dimmick encourages parents and groups to call ahead before coming.

"It's not that we don't want anyone to come, but if it's squished, it's not fun," she said.

Maginnis, who organizes the children's programs along with other child librarians, said the storytimes consist of "stories, songs and finger plays."

Besides lapsits and storytime, the librarians must also book their branch's special programs, which are one-time events that can range from circus performers to animal trainers.

Unlike storytime and lapsits that take place weekly, Maginnis said she has to juggle the times around so more people can attend.

"I try to have a variety of programs and a variety of times," she said. "The schools like to have them early and the parents like to have them on Saturdays. It's complicated."

When considering which programs to book, West Portal branch librarian Shellie Cooke said the librarians first consider "how good they (the programs) are and how the kids in the neighborhood will react. In West Portal, it's mostly white, so we try to expose the kids to a multicultural program."

Though most of the regular programs are aimed at the very young, Sunset branch librarian Susan Sheinfeld said her branch holds "a variety of adult programs."

According to Sheinfeld, the Sunset branch's recent adult programs have ranged from a reading of James Joyce's works to a lesson in feng shui.

Bremer added that the Presidio branch occasionally holds adults programs, such as yoga classes, author readings and even book club meetings.

Despite such variety and availability, many library-goers often ask for more programs, according to Maginnis.

"People would like to have more (programs), but we're so busy," she said.

To get a more detailed list of branch programs and times or reserve a group space, call your respective branch ahead of time.

Richmond Branch Library: (666-7165)

351 Ninth Ave.

Preschool storytime (ages 3 - 5): Tuesdays at 11 a.m.

Family lapsits for infants: (up to 3 years of age): Saturdays at 11 a.m.

Anza Branch Library: (666-7160)

550 37th Ave.

Preschool storytime (ages 3 - 6): Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Family storytime (ages 3 and under): Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m.

Preschool videos (ages 3 - 6): Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Presidio Branch Library: (292-2155)

3150 Sacramento St.

Preschool storytime (ages 3 - 5): Thursdays at 4 p.m.

Infant/toddler lapsit: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.