When you visit any BCLS library, you’ll find so much more to explore than just books. This month, we’re highlighting our rotating activity stations and encouraging you to play at the library with your little ones.
Our activity stations for young children and their caregivers are available at the Burlington County Library as well as the Cinnaminson, Evesham, Maple Shade, Pemberton and Pinelands branches. During a visit to any of these locations, children can explore with their imagination and play with new friends!
Playing at the library fosters early learning and literacy practices and pairs well with Every Child Ready to Read @ your Library, a parent education initiative that encourages talking, singing, reading, writing and playing to increase these skills and better prepare children for school. Some benefits of our activity stations include:
- Increased vocabulary
- Social development
- Cognitive development
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Letter and number recognition
- Counting practice
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to interact with their children in these spaces to help keep children engaged and learning by example. At each station, there are “Parent Tips” posted with suggestions about how to best use the activity stations with little ones.
Experience play time at activity stations with themes like:
- Market
- Veterinarian Office
- Coffee Shop
- Bakery
- Construction Site
Stop by any of the above locations to play at the library! Not only do these locations have activity stations, many branches are also hosting events with a focus on play:
- Parachute Play Time at the Maple Shade Library for both 18 - 36 month olds and 3 - 5 year olds
- Movin’ & Groovin’ at the Evesham Library
- Sing-Along with Key of Awesome at the Burlington County Library
- Nintendo Wii Tennis for Kids at Pinelands Library
- Gaming Club Unplugged at the Bordentown Library
- Music & Movement at the Cinnaminson Library
- Preschool Storytime at the Riverton Free Library
- Flower Scavenger Hunt at the Pemberton Library
