Let's Read: William Jeannes Memorial Library

It is a bit farther up the road that some other libraries, but I think the drive to William Jeannes Memorial Library is completely worth it.  (And I usually head up Stenton Avenue to Joshua Road for the scenic route through farm land).  

Jeannes' story times are nothing short of amazing. They are down in the basement, but it is a very large room and you can enter it directly from a door at the back of the library.  Add your kids' names to the list on the table and there will be a name tag for them the next time you visit, a circle they can wear proudly around their neck.

 

The librarians do a wonderful job and even include a little craft at the end of each reading. The stories are usually themed and include songs and visuals, such as a felt board.  There is even a puppet named Lucy who participates in the activities!  The librarian is very animated and understanding of the kids, really someone straight out of Mr. Roger's neighborhood (and I mean that in the best of ways).

This is obviously not an activity that is thrown together at the last minute.  These story times are very well planned and carried out.  Yesterday's theme was leaves and fall.  Lucy (the puppet) started with a conversation with the librarian (Miss Linda) about who had found the biggest leaf, as they went through some different leaves found outside.  Three leaf-related books were read, between songs like "The Leaves Are Falling Down."  The kids then went to some tables to decorate trees with different colored paper leaves.

If you have little ones who are not in school yet, this is great preparation for future school days and is just plain fun.  It really is like a school lesson; it's amazing we get to bring our kids for free!

After the story time, head upstairs to the children's section of the library.  It is nice, large space with three circle tables and kid-sized chairs for children to sit at.  They have stacks of great puzzles and a few toys for kids to play with.  There is even a rocking chair for those tired moms and babies.

There is also a great section of cloth activity bags available for checkout.  Each bag contains a book, a related stuffed animal, and a tape, all with the same theme (such as whales).  You can check these out for two weeks.   

The grounds around this library are also great. We even suggest making a day of this trip and bringing a picnic lunch to eat outside afterwards, under one of their beautiful cherry trees. There is also a nice grove of pine trees that kids love to play in, a fun "hideaway" for them.

So, if you want to check out a new library, I highly recommend Jeannes.  Tomorrow (Fri. Oct. 24th) is the perfect time to try it out; there will be a special event, Puppets Pizazz, at 4:00pm.  There will be non-scary Halloween puppets.  Or, go on Saturday for Makin' Music at 11:00am.  

If you can't make it this week, check out Jeannes next week for some special days:  Wed. Oct 29th and Thurs. Oct. 30th -- all story times will be Halloween-themed.  Children are encouraged to come in costume and treats will be handed out.  (You may also bring some treats if you like).

Jeannes Library is not part of the Philadelphia Free Library system; it is part of Whitemarsh Township.  You can, however, use your free library card there.  You will need to fill out a new form, but you won't need to be issued a different card.    

4051 Joshua Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
610.828.0441
map

Full Calendar of Events

Fall Story Times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 am: "Mother Goose on the Loose"(1-30 mo.)
Tuesdays at 11:15am and Thursdays at 1:30pm -- 3-5 yr olds
Wednesdays at 10:15am and Thursdays at 11:15am -- 2 1/2-3 1/2 yr olds (Miss Linda and "Lucy")
NEW:  Wednesdays at 4:00pm -- 3-6 yr olds
Bedtime Story times: 3rd Tuesday of each mo. at 7pm for 3-7 yr olds