As part of the Metropolitan Library System, Bethany library participates in the nationwide Family Place program. Providing early childhood programming and resources including:
• Developmentally appropriate programming for young children and their families including storytimes, playtimes, and parent-child workshops like 123! Play with Me!
• Specially designed space for young children and their families.
• Collections of books, toys and other materials for babies, toddlers, parents and family service professionals.
• Early childhood literacy training to our library staff
Because of the pandemic this last year and out of an abundance of concern for our customers, we provided 123 Play with me @ Home kits in Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 :
Spring 2021
123! Play with Me @ Home!
Our 123! Play with Me at Home! take home kits included 4 fun and engaging activities that focused on dramatic play, art exploration, gross motor skill development, and music exploration. A free book and handouts were also included. These take home kits were intended for children ages 0 - 4 and a caregiver. Kits were made available at participating Family Place libraries in March-May 2021.
Take and make kits included the following components:
• 4 low-cost activities (that pair nicely with our themed 123! videos) for families with or caregivers of children ages birth-4 to work on/explore at home together--supplies & instructions included
o Art Exploration—Shapes Collage
o Gross Motor Skills—Balls
o Music—Egg Shakers
o Dramatic Play—Toy Stethoscope
• A reading list/collection tie-in handout for each activity
• An early literacy focused community resource handout
• A board book to pair with this resource video: https://vimeo.com/454174402/a46dfda286
Fall 2021
123! Play with Me @ Home!
Our 123! Play with Me at Home! take home kits included 4 fun and engaging activities that focused on dramatic play, art exploration, puzzle creation, and music exploration. A free book and handouts were also included. These take home kits were intended for children ages 0 - 4 and a caregiver. Kits were made available at participating Family Place libraries in November 2021.
Take and make kits included the following components:
• 4 low-cost activities (that pair nicely with our themed 123! videos) for families with or caregivers of children ages birth-4 to work on/explore at home together--supplies & instructions included
o Art Exploration—Wet & Dry Paint Exploration
o Puzzles—DIT Puzzles
o Music—Kazoos
o Dramatic Play—DIY Chicken Coop
• A reading list/collection tie-in handout for each activity
• An early literacy focused community resource handout
• A board book to pair with this resource video: https://vimeo.com/454174402/a46dfda286