Children having fun

They laughed, they sang and they played while learning about animals, music and rhymes.

The babies to toddlers were at the Orland Library on Thursday listening to "Miss Nancy" tell stories and work puppets while they sat on their mothers' laps.

Five little ones came for the 11 a.m. Babies and Books program that offers a half hour of fun instructional time disguised as entertainment.

Each of the tots received a free board book to take home thanks to a $1,000 grant from the Barceloux-Tibessart Foundation of Orland, Children's Librarian Nancy Leek said.

Thursday's program focused on nursery rhymes and play rhymes associated with songs the little ones could bounce up and down to, she said.

This session is open to infants through toddlers aged 21⁄2, Leek said, while a pre-school storytime is available on Wednesdays for older children not yet in kindergarten. It also starts at 11 a.m.

Patty Scambler said she has been bringing her daughter, Skyleece, 20-months-old, since she was three months old.

"I don't matter anymore when we're here," Scambler said. "It's all about Miss Nancy."

Little Skyleece gets to have fun along with her Mom, Scambler added, while Dad gets some peace for an hour at home.

Scambler also credits the program with increasing her child's vocabulary and knowledge of animals as the puppets include cows, sheep, pigs, rabbits.

It also makes the little girl want to read at home, she said.

Arumi Gomez said this was her second visit to the program.

Her daughter, Sarai Gomez, 2, really seems to like it, Gomez said.

"At first, she was shy, but the second time she is playing everywhere," she said. "I am going to start bringing her every Thursday."

The free program is popular with parents and grandparents interested in expanding their young ones' knowledge.

Participation can range from two to five to a dozen or more, Leek said, depending on the time of year and weather.

The story times are done indoors but cold weather and other activities can stop some from coming.

Leek said she hopes to increase attendance and will keep both story times running through the summer this year. In the past, she has stopped the program during the summer vacation period.

The pre-schoolers not only do reading and singing exercises, they also have crafts projects following the story telling.

Grant money also paid for the puppets and craft supplies, Leek said.

Orland Library is at 333 Mill St.

For more information, call 865-1640.

Contact Rick Longley at 934-6800 or rlongley@tcnpress.com.