Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
We insist on being a Library for all. All minds. All modes. All needs. More than 2.4 million visits are made to the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library each year from customers living in and working in our diverse, vibrant, and unique neighborhoods. Our series Meet a Library Customer shares the stories that minds of all kinds have each day at CHPL.
Jaimee Stevenson is the nanny for Willow, an 18-month-old toddler who loves going to storytime at the Library.
“In the mornings, I can say, ‘Do you want to go to the Library? Do you want to go to storytime?’ Her eyes light up,” Jaimee said of Willow. “I love that she is developing such a love for the Libraries.”
Willow and Jaimee attend four storytimes a week at branches across the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library system—including regular trips to the Anderson Branch, where Willow’s mom worked during college. Willow’s Library-kid roots run deep and, as her nanny, Jaimee fosters that connection.
On the day of this interview, they attended the Anderson Branch’s Movers and Shakers Storytime.
Jaimee said storytime helps Willow develop fine and gross motor skills through books, song, dance, and more. Regular storytime attendance has allowed Willow to connect with other toddlers and librarians. Likewise, Jaimee can mingle with other caregivers.
“It’s a nice, comforting activity that we can do together. It helps us bond. It helps structure the day,” Jaimee said. “[Willow] knows what to expect: Go to storytime and then to the park, and then we’ll have a picnic if the weather is nice. It really helps set the day up for success.”
All 41 of CHPL’s branches have storytimes designed to help develop early literacy skills while instilling a love of reading in children.
“It’s extremely important for the Library to offer these storytimes for families and that they can have this resource so close to them, wherever they might be in the city,” Jaimee said.
Events include Library Babies, Toddler Storytime, Movers and Shakers, Preschool Storytime, KinderBridge, and Family Storytime. The Library has something for children of all ages, from newborn all the way to age 6.
“We want to thank the CHPL for having these storytimes in our Libraries,” Jaimee said. “It has changed the structure of our day for the better and we love them so much.”
Willow’s favorite part of storytime at the Library? The bubble machine, of course!
Picture Books to Read at Home!
Want to keep the fun going after storytime? Check out some books before you head out! Here are a few favorites.
What's your favorite part of storytime? Let us know in the comments!
Add a comment to: Nanny and Child Are Storytime Superfans — Early Literacy Skills and All!