Wonderful Ones!

We're offering our special program for one-year-olds and their grown-ups on Wednesday mornings, from 11-11:30 a.m., in the month of January. We'll sing songs, do rhymes and fingerplays, and read a few books. Registration is required; to register, please go to www.takomapark.info/library/registration.html or call us at 301-891-7259. Note: All young participants must be between the ages of 12 months-24 months; no older siblings please.

Bedtime Stories

Come in p.j.s and bring your teddy bear or other stuffed favorites as we read some stories and sing some songs and rhymes on Monday, Jan. 5, from 7-7:30 p.m. This program is perfect for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their grown-ups.

Holiday Reading Traditions

Reading aloud is a wonderful way to bond with your children. It's especially great during the holidays, which can be so hectic.

Several local families have built specific reading traditions around the holidays. One local family comes to the library and chooses eight Hannukah books -- one for each night of the holiday.

Several other families, including mine, collect Christmas books and bring them out only at this time of year. One such family is the Kern family, which recently was interviewed about the tradition on NPR. You can access their story here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98308208.
Since the story aired, mom Sally Kern has since learned of another long-time holiday tradition. It seems that her grandfather bought his bride a copy of "A Christmas Carol" back in 1929. He read the book each year, and each year he recorded the date and place where the book was read. Sally just received the book in the mail from another family member, and plans to carry on the tradition.

Maybe it's time to start your own holiday reading tradition!