Join the Pauline Haass Public Library in Sussex for family storytime! Family storytime is designed for ages 0–4, but all family members are welcome.

Traditional weekday storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, movement, and more. The same storytime is repeated throughout the week, so choose your favorite day to attend.

No registration required. Just drop in!

No registration required; just drop in.

Use these suggestions to help create an enjoyable storytime experience for everyone!

Welcome to Storytime at Pauline Haass Public Library! Library storytimes are often a child’s first group experience. These carefully planned presentations are a unique kind of program. Storytimes are designed to incorporate pre-literacy skills with delightful children’s books to encourage an early love of reading. A helpful audience enables the storyteller to maintain concentration and give the best presentation to all children in attendance.

We kindly ask parents and caregivers to think about and discuss storytime before attending this program. Our goal is a happy and worthwhile experience for all. So what makes a helpful storytime audience?

1. When it comes to noise . . . Recommended: Responding to participation stories, soft sounds (happy or unhappy), talking in an undertone, joyful reactions. Discouraged: Adult side conversations, loud voices unrelated to the story, ringing cell phones, crying that drowns out the story (ok to leave and return).

2. When it comes to movement . . . Recommended: Clapping, tapping, jumping, etc., when part of the story or song; going forward when invited to participate; toddling around close to parent or caregiver; quietly leaving and re-entering; joyful reactions.

Discouraged: Running, exploring away-from-story areas of the room, removing books and materials that are part of the presentation, touching (tickling, poking, etc.) during a story, blocking the view by standing directly in front of the presentation. Pauline Haass Public Library www.phplonline.org

3. When it comes to general behavior . . . Adults model good audience behavior for children by being attentive and participating. Sitting with a parent or caregiver helps a child to focus upon the program. Arriving on time is important. Allowing time for parking and visits to the bathroom is suggested. Waiting for a break between stories or songs before joining late ensures that your entrance does not break the flow of the program. Snacks, drinks or toys create a distraction for all from the program and are discouraged. Please walk out with an upset child until he or she is comfortable and ready, then quietly re-enter and try again.

Safety note – It is advised that you do not teach young children to use the handicapped door paddles to open the library entrance doors. Children can exit the library very quickly, directly into a high traffic area.

We appreciate your help in creating an enjoyable and beneficial storytime experience for all.