[photo credit: Pasadena Public Library]
The program pairs classic storytime with an interactive play session, running from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Wednesday at the branch located at 1240 Nithsdale Road. The next session takes place November 19.
The self-guided play component helps develop and reinforce early literacy skills while encouraging toddlers to use their creativity, imagination and dexterity, increasing their physical, cognitive and emotional development.
The library uses a five-practice early literacy framework based on the American Library Association’s “Every Child Ready to Read” initiative: talking, singing, reading, writing and playing.
According to early literacy research, play helps children think symbolically, so they understand that spoken and written words stand for real objects and experiences. Building toys help children develop motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning and language skills, with complex block-play linked to higher mathematical achievement.
The program launched in April. The Pasadena Public Library system operates 10 branches under Director Tim McDonald, offering more than 60 storytimes monthly across locations.
Read! Build! Play! will run on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 11:30 a.m. San Rafael Branch Library, 1240 Nithsdale Road, Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 744-7270 or visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/calendar/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D190951883.
