One of the first places I took Alice - after she was big enough to really take anywhere - was to baby/toddler story time at the Chavez Central Library. We sat in the back, sang some "Old MacDonald," and listened to a reading of "Joseph Had a Little Overcoat." (Such a fun book. Now that I'm thinking about it, Alice hasn't seen it since that first time - We'll have to borrow it soon - I bet she'd love it now).
I still try to take her to story times as often as possible. We read a ton at home, but hearing new stories, read by new voices is really good for both of us, I think. Enjoying a book with her - alongside her as part of an audience - is special in a way that's different from reading to her at home (Which is precious too, of course. Just another kind).
Fortunately, there's a library story time somewhere in San Joaquin County almost every day of the week. Generally, each one lasts about 30 minutes and might include stories, songs, poetry and other activities. In my experience each story time sort of has its own character. (HA!) So I say, make the rounds, if you can, and figure out which one(s) your kiddos like best.
Monday
10:30 a.m. - All About Baby Story Time at Mountain House Library
11 a.m. - Preschool Story Time at Mountain House Library
6 p.m. - Family Story Time at Tracy Library
Tuesday
10 a.m. - All About Baby Story Time at Manteca Library
10:15 a.m. - Toddler and Preschool Story Time at Margaret Troke Library
10:30 a.m. - Preschool Story Time at Ripon Library
10:30 a.m. - All About Baby Story Time at Tracy Library
11:15 a.m. - Preschool Story Time at Tracy Library
Thursday
10:30 a.m. - Preschool Story Time at Cesar Chavez Central Library
10:30 a.m. - Preschool Story Time at Manteca Library
10:30 a.m. - All About Baby Story Time at Ripon Library
12:15 p.m. - Preschool Power Story Time at Margaret Troke Library
Friday
1 p.m. - All Ages Story Time at Thornton Library (Just through July)
Saturday
10:30 a.m. - Preschool Story Time at Linden Library (Only on some Saturdays - check the online calendar for more details).
Also, if you happen to live in Lodi, you know that your public library is independent of the Stockton-San Joaquin County system. I'll go out on a limb and say that you're still welcome to attend story times at the county branches, of course. But in case you're looking for something closer to home, find a schedule here.
