The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Books join nature outside with families
The Lorain Public Library System Avon Branch, 37485 Harvest Drive, decided to change how it does story time by having it outside.
Kelsey DeCoate, library associate, said the program, Story Time in the Woods, is a great way to combine books and nature.
“Books tell stories using the setting, and a lot of children’s books rely on colorful pictures and surroundings,” DeCoate said. “This is a way to combine physical surroundings with the nature in the books and make it more real for the kids.
“I’m glad families were able to come to Avon’s Every Child’s Playground (36265 Detroit Road) to attend.”
DeCoate said she wanted to keep the nature theme when selecting the readings.
“We have animals doing things in wooded areas in these stories,” she said. “I think the kids like being outside and being in a similar setting to that of the book.”
DeCoate said the outside component is a good addition for the library.
“We have this great park here for the children,” she said. “There is also the pool next door, so it’s a way of providing even more to what is already offered in the area.
“We have our book walks that allow children to go along a trail and read different pages of a book at each stop. It’s the perfect blend of reading and outdoor fun.
“We also have a small Families dance together during the outdoor story time.
outdoor library along the trail. It’s all about the accessibility and making things more convenient for people to get books.”
Aside from being outdoors, the other difference was this story time also featured an introduction to sign language.
“This is something I’ve done with Kelsey before, and it’s a way to teach kids signs at a young age,” said Bill Morgan, artistic manager with the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center.
“I come to advocate and educate for those who use sign language.
“It’s good for the children, even though they can hear, to see how the signs are used and the meaning behind some common signs.”
Paula Allotta, of Avon, said she was impressed with the program.
“The boys seemed to like it, and that’s all that counts,” Allotta said. “It was good to get outside and see them have fun.”
Lynn Lowman, of Avon, said the program was very good.
“It’s good for the kids to get outside,” Lowman said. “When the kids come to see me we like to do things outside. The library is doing a great job in having this option available.”
The next and last Story Time in the Woods starts at 10:30 a.m., Oct. 26, at the playground.
For more information, call 440-934-4743.