The Hershey Public Library believes “that children and books make the best of friends, and therefore, libraries are a great place to join the two together.” Keeping this in mind, the Hershey Public Library, serving Derry Township Residents in Central Penn., has developed a series of reading aloud programs geared towards children of different ages.
Two of the programs are Wonderful Ones and Toddlertime at the library. Both of these programs offer an enriching environment where children, caregivers, and librarians come together to read stories, sing songs, and have educational fun. When you first walk into the Hershey Public Library you are greeted by a quiet atmosphere with rows of computers, books, and several reference areas designed to help visitors find the resources they want or need.
Heading over to the Children’s Department, you will find an area dedicated to reading and fun. Children’s computers, short rows of children’s books, pillows, tables, puzzles, toys, puppets, and extra large books fill this special space, making it appealing for children of all ages.
The reading programs are held in a quiet room off of the Children’s Department. Each child first picks up their nametag and then finds a seat on the pillows laid out in the shape of a circle on the floor. Children and parents fill the room quickly and the doors close.
The librarian is sitting at the front of the circle with a stack of books and games for the children. She quiets the children down and explains the theme for the day, which changes every week.
During the next 25 minutes, everybody in the room listens to stories, sing songs, dance, and play simple games. On occasion a restless toddler gets up and wanders around the room, or migrates towards the center of the circle, looking for attention. The parents and librarian are not fazed; this is after all a room full of toddlers!
Read Aloud Programs:
Books and Babies: pre-walking babies (birth – 12 months) and caregivers are invited to register for this program that offers “songs, simple stories, nursery rhymes, and action plays.”
- Monday mornings at 9:45
- Monday mornings at 10:45
Wonderful Ones: walking babies (12 – 24 months) and caregivers are invited to register for this program that offers “songs, simple stories, nursery rhymes, and action plays.”
- Tuesday mornings at 9:45
Toddlertime: This read aloud program is perfect for ages 24 – 35 months. It is an opportunity for toddlers and caregivers “to share in stories, rhymes, and songs.”
- Wednesday mornings at 10:00
- Wednesday mornings at 11:00
Storytime: This is an opportunity for young children to work on listening skills while their parents are free to attend to their own library needs.
Storytime for 3’s and 4’s
- Monday mornings at 10:00
- Wednesday afternoon at 1:30
Storytime for 4’s and 5’s:
- Monday afternoons at 1:30
- Tuesday mornings at 10:00
You can register online, in person, or over the phone! Visit their website or call to verify registration deadlines!
701 Cocoa Avenue
Hershey, PA 17033
717-533-6555
Not in Derry Township? Don’t worry there are many other reading programs offered in Central PA. Visit these websites for ideas.
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