Library has programs for Sedona toddlers

​Hello Red Rock News Readers! A library is the heart of any community and your Sedona Public Library is no different. Here at the Library, ideas are exchanged; whether it’s the monthly meeting of Great Decisions, archeologists, birders, or any one of the many family programs, our visitors come here to learn and to connect. And in Youth Services, even the very youngest community members are doing just that. 
Have you ever wondered why on Monday mornings there are so many kids and parents waiting for our doors to open? Let me tell you. In September of last year, we launched “Toddler Play ‘n Learn,” a new program for toddlers (ages 0-5 years old) and their parents. This popular morning program is taught by Marcia Hansen, youth librarian, on Mondays from 10 to 10:45 a.m. “Miss Marcia,” as she is affectionately known by kids and parents alike, has been teaching and entertaining children at Sedona Public Library for more than five years.  
With the increasing numbers of young families in and around the Sedona area, the “Toddler Play ‘n Learn” program has become very popular for children and parents as well. Toddlers are at a crucial time in the development of language skills, and the program gives parents ideas on how to encourage and stimulate their child’s development. Sedona Public Library is so lucky to have Miss Marcia! Not only does she entertain and teach the preschoolers, but she reminds parents and caregivers to foster early literacy skills. One of her favorite lessons is “retelling,” which she emphasizes will improve a child’s comprehension, vocabulary, and oral language skills. 
“Toddler Play ‘n Learn” starts with a short gathering on the “Rainbow Rug” and a greeting song and story. Then the toddlers and their parents choose from a wide variety of activities: balance beam, tunnels, hopscotch, building blocks, interactive table toys, puzzles, musical instruments, Duplo blocks with people and vehicles, and a different craft activity. 
The program has been a wonderful opportunity for parents to get acquainted with each other….to make playdates, talk about education, exchange parenting techniques, and build friendships. The program ends back on the rainbow rug with a chat about the day and often a flannel board activity, finger plays, music, and a final song or story.  
With the success of Toddler Play n’ Learn at our West Sedona Library, parents enthusiastically requested and assisted us in creating a new and already successful toddler program: Toy Potluck at Sedona Public Library in the Village. Every Thursday, you can bring toys to share or donate and join other parents and toddlers in an hour of fun toy time! Cindy Mahon, our newest youth librarian, will read stories and sing songs. Join us Thursdays at the Village Library from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The address is 25 West Saddlehorn Road in the Village.

As we bid farewell to a rather rainy and warm September, we open our arms to embrace a cool autumnal October with many other fun activities for our little ones including Tuesday Story Time at Sedona Public Library in the Village at 11:15 a.m.; Wednesday Story Time in the Park at 9 a.m. (Sunset Park in West Sedona); Thursday "Music Morning with Annette" and Red Rock Drumming with Harta at 10:30 a.m. in Youth Services, and Friday Drumming with Harta in the Village at 11:15 a.m.  
 We hope families will join us for Miss Marcia’s upcoming spooky Toddler Play n’ Learn on October 31, Halloween, where you’ll enjoy spooky decorations, activities, crafts, stories, and songs.  The kids will parade through the Library entertaining all our visitors. Make sure you’re in the know with what’s going on at Sedona Public Library and sign up for the Library’s monthly Youth Services Newsletter. We’re always happy to see returning and new family faces at the Library.  
 Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit our website or send your check to Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, Arizona 86336. Remember you can direct your gift to the Village Library. Thank you! 

Photo caption: Catherine Garland, and her children Abby and Charles are one of many Sedona families who have enjoyed the plethora of Youth Services programs at the Sedona Public Library.

Library News Column for September 23, 2022 
Written by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Program & Marketing Coordinator 

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