Exploring Charlotte's Public Libraries: Storytime and Early Literacy Programs for Babies
Interactive reading and storytime can encourage language and pre-reading skill development that help your child grow into a successful reader as they grow older. It can also promote the ability to focus, increase concentration, and help develop social and communication skills. As a postpartum doula and former nanny, storytime is one of my top recommendations for parents who want to get their littles out of the house and introduce socialization. It can also be a great way to connect with other parents or caregivers.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is one of America’s leading urban public libraries, serving a community of approximately one million citizens in the city of Charlotte and the towns of Matthews, Pineville, Mint Hill, Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville – all located in Mecklenburg County. Most library branches in Charlotte, North Carolina, offer regular storytimes in which children’s librarians share books, stories, rhymes, and songs with you and your baby.
You can check in with your local branch to see when they host storytime, or you can check out the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library site, which has a calendar for all libraries and events. The link below will take you directly to the calendar for storytime!
https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?types=5f32b2ad0605873a0069febc
Charlotte is also home to the number 1 children’s library in the country, ImaginOn, which is one of the most popular baby and youth destinations in the city. ImaginOn has a dedicated library space for children 11 and under and also has tons of resources for parents, teachers, and caregivers. Their staff are experts in child development, early literacy, and children’s literature. The library also has a baby and toddler area for littles to explore and discover.
ImaginOn is located at 300 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202, and more information about the library and all its offerings can be found at their website:
https://www.imaginon.org/
Until Next Time!
Aiesha Draughton
Postpartum Partners NC
Aiesha is a postpartum doula in Charlotte, North Carolina