Naperville library offers literacy programs for kids

Reading and literacy are significant to a child's development, and Naperville Public Library encourages skills with a variety of programs for children of all abilities.

Sensory Storytime, which welcomes children with special needs and their families, is a 30-minute program that features books, songs and fun. The program will be from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, April 5 and May 3, at 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville.

"We want to meet a need in the community," said Celeste Giles, children's services librarian. "It's a very open and relaxed atmosphere. We try to make it low-key and try to adapt it to the children who come. We share books, songs (and) finger plays as well as sensory activities related to the books and the theme."

During past programs, children worked with a place mat printout that included a plate as well as images where a knife and fork should be placed. Children would practice positioning the utensils on each marked spot so that when they took the place mat home they knew how to set the table.

The program also features elements like a schedule board that details the program's agenda with communication icons or photos. During the program, if it is time for books or finger plays, the presenter will point to the schedule board.

Another literacy program is Blooming Bark for Books that offers children a chance to practice their reading aloud in front of therapy dogs from local organizations and humane societies. For children in first through fifth grades, the program will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave., and Saturday, May 10, at 95th Street Library.

"Reading with dogs is a relaxing, nonjudgmental and fun pastime, especially for emerging readers who may not be very sure of themselves reading out loud," said Carla Eisley, children's services associate.