Youth Programs

Listing of Youth Services Programs

Get specific details and register for events at our Calendar of Events.

Preschool Storytime

Way Public Library offers a preschool storytime program for a limited number of weeks in the fall, winter, spring, and summer.  Because these programs are so popular, it is necessary to register children before each series.  The child must be three years old to register.  Group sizes are limited.  Registration must be done online from home or at the Library.  We cannot accept phone registrations.

Our program focuses on a book-oriented experience that covers a wide range of excellent children’s literature.  These story sessions are meant to enhance, not take the place of, reading aloud at home.  It is important that each child attend regularly in order to receive the greatest benefit.

The children will listen to stories and participate in group activities.  Occasionally book based videos will be used.  Through these activities, the children are learning by listening, sharing, and repetition. Our special objectives for the storytime program are to help the child to:

This may be the first group experience for some children.  As parents, you can help your child by preparing him/her for what we will be doing.  He/she will be away from you in a story room with other children.  You will be waiting.

We will:  Listen to stories,

                         Play finger games,

                         Sing songs, and have fun.

After storytime, your child may want to spend some extra time selecting books to take home, or you may prefer to come back at another time.

Encourage your child’s interest in stories by reading to him/her between Library visits.

We hope you and your child will have a good storytime experience.  In order to have a successful program we offer these suggestions to storytime parents and friends:

We will return the child to the parent if he/she desires, and this child should not return to the group that day. While waiting, parents are asked to supervise the activity of their own younger children and respect the rights of other patrons for a “quiet” Library.  We need the assistance of two or three parent helpers each session, and ask parents to sign up in advance for the day they can help.  Do not be concerned if your child is self-conscious when you are a helper because this is usually not his/her normal behavior.

Storytime lasts 25 to 30 minutes.  Please be ready to welcome your child at the conclusion of storytime.

Babytime

Babies from 6 months to 11 months and their caregivers are invited to attend our spring and fall program. Rhymes, songs and books will be introduced so babies and parents can enjoy them and make them a part of their lives. Pre-registration is required and can be completed on-line.

Time for Twos Storytime

Way Public Library offers Time for Twos periodically throughout the year for a limited number of weeks. Because these programs are so popular, it is necessary to register before each series. The child must be 24 months to 36 months of age in order to participate. Registration may be completed online, or at the library. Phone registrations are not accepted and group sizes are limited.

What is Time for Twos?
Time for Twos offers the two year old an opportunity to learn by sharing, listening, and repetition. Our program focuses on a book-oriented experience, which covers a wide range of excellent children's literature. Boys and girls, along with a parent or caregiver, will listen to stories and participate in songs, finger games, and have fun. These sessions are meant to enhance, not take the place of, reading aloud at home.

For many children this will be their first group experience. In order to have a successful program, we offer these suggestions to parents and caregivers:

With your help, we can develop and nurture your toddler's love of books and the Library. The staff will be happy to assist you with selection of books or other library services.  Please remember:  Reading aloud is the best thing you can do to give your child a strong beginning.

Mother Goose Time

Welcome to Mother Goose Time!  This is a Storytime program for 12 – 23 month old children along with a caregiver, which is offered several times a year at Way Library.  Each session lasts 15 – 20 minutes.  The program involves active participation and interaction between the child, the caregiver, and a member of the library staff.  So please join in, have fun, and don’t be afraid to get down and boogie!

We will be reading short stories, singing songs, doing fingerplays, learning nursery rhymes, and even dancing.  Don’t worry if you can’t carry a tune or move and groove.  Just have fun with that darling baby.

Puppets, flannel board stories, books, and a few homemade props will be used for various activities.  There will be much repetition as that is what works with children of this age.  Don’t be surprised when we repeat some of the same song and fingerplays at each session.

Don’t be concerned if your child would rather observe than participate.  He/She will still be enjoying the activities.  We know little ones wander around the room and that’s all right.  We will just go with the flow.

We will begin promptly so please make every effort to be on time.  Also, as much as we like to think of the library as a safe place, we must remember that it is a public building and a watchful eye must be kept on your children at all times.

We hope you and your toddler have an enjoyable experience.

Friday with my Friends

Four times a year, Friday with my Friends joins seniors & children in an intergenerational afternoon of songs, stories, and other activities.  This presents a unique opportunity for seniors and children to interact on a one-on-one basis.  Register 4-5 year old children online beginning two weeks before the event.  For more information, contact Deb DiGennaro, (419) 874-3135 extension 109, or digennde@oplin.org

Red Cross Babysitting Courses

Ages: 11 – 14 years        
Class size:  minimum: 10   maximum: 25       

No Exceptions!

The fee for the class is $25 and is to be paid at the time of registration.  It is non-refundable with less than 24 hour notice.  Payment must be made with a check or money order made payable to the Red Cross.  After the Red Cross collects/processes the class fees, there will be a $10 charge for refunds.  Phone registrations cannot be accepted.

If you register and find you cannot attend, please do not send someone in your place without checking with the Library.  We almost always have children on a waiting list and they will get first preference as space becomes available.

Age appropriate games and toys, basic first aid, diapering, bathing and feeding are some of the topics covered in the course. You must attend all 6 hours of class time to become a Red Cross certified babysitter.  If you cannot attend all 6 hours, please register at a more convenient time.  Scheduling make up classes is difficult.  Punctuality is important.

For more information, contact the Youth Services librarians, (419) 874-3135 extension 116, or maustpa@oplin.org

Culture Club

A cultural program that focuses on the history, customs, food and clothing of various countries. Children in grades 2 through 5 are welcome to attend and enjoy speakers as they present both visual and oral presentations of their country of origin or interest. Programs are presented throughout the school year, and on-line registration is required.

FLASH - Fun Library After School Happenings

Way Library is offering this monthly after-school program for children ages 7 to 10. Boys and girls will enjoy interesting and fun activities based on popular books. On-line registration is required.