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Date: 10/28/2020
SOUTHAMPTON – The Edwards Public Library continues to host storytime and an educational activity every Wednesday morning at the Pavilion in Conant Park at 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
When the families leave storytime, kids are given a craft bag with activities that they can do at home. Cindy Diemand who leads the storytime says that it has been a big hit.
Diemand said the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care has awarded a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) Grant to the Hampshire Regional School District, working in collaboration with The Collaborative for Educational Services. The purpose of the grant is to provide families will access to locally available comprehensive services and support that strengthen families and promote child development.
“CFCE designs and implements programs to support family literacy, school readiness, and family self-sufficiency. Some of the programs include parent and child playgroups, story walks, literacy events, STEM activities, Kindergarten transition support, child screening tools for parents, and parent education workshops,” said Diemand.
Back in March, the in-person storytime and playgroup were shut down but Johanna Douglass, the youth librarian, hosted live storytime on Facebook and YouTube. In September the activities resumed on its regular day and time but since the library cannot be used, they moved the activity to the pavilion.
“Johanna Douglass and I are happy to provide this opportunity to families in the community. The children enjoy stories, songs, and participating in activities. It is rewarding to know the program supports family literacy and school readiness,” she said.
There can only be four families at a time so pre-registration is required by calling the library at 527-9480 or email them at edwards@cwmars.org. Parents and guardians can choose between the two half-hour time slots offered.
Each family can claim a picnic table. Hand sanitizer and wipes are available for use and masks are mandatory for children and adults ages 2 and up.
Diemand said parents and guardians are glad to have a place to go during this difficult time. She said it is a weekly appointment that the whole family looks forward to and families are hoping that the library can continue it in the colder months.