UPDATE: For the fall 2014 program, the drop-in Babytime class will be held on Fridays at 11:30 starting September 19th. For more details, check out the full children’s program schedule for the West Hartford Libraries.
Are you starting to feel a little anxious about the thought of being stuck in your house with your little one(s) over the cold winter months? Well fear not, I have an idea for you and it won’t cost you a dime (bonus!)
After becoming a new mom, I learned the joys of how my tax dollars are put to use at the local library. The libraries in our state are amazing. Most have great children’s sections with lots of books (of course) and toys and games to keep the children entertained. Shawna did a post previously on her local library in Glastonbury (read it here) and I also did a post on one of my local libraries, the Noah Webster Library in West Hartford (read it here).
Well, I wanted to follow-up with some more information on fun things to do at the library. One of my favorite discoveries was the classes that they offer. When Bruiser and Sparkles were around 7 months, I took them to a wonderful, drop-in class called Babytime. This class is for ages newborn – 12 months and is run by one of the librarians. The class met every Wednesday from 11:30 – 12:15 and offered a laid-back, positive, fun environment to let my babies explore and socialize while I got a chance to meet other new moms.
The class is held on the lower level of the library in the large meeting room right outside the children’s section. The easiest way to get there is to park in the Isham parking deck (bring your ticket into the library to get stamped for 2 hours free parking). Then enter the library from the ground level and take the elevator to the lower level (Children’s). When you get off the elevator, instead of going through the doors to the Children’s section, open up the other set of doors in the hallway and that is the meeting room. Feel free to bring your stroller and take it right into the meeting room (most mom’s do).
After you get in there, you will be greeted by the librarian and she will get a name tag for you and your little one. Most mom’s put the kid’s nametags on their backs, so that they can’t rip them off and everyone can easily see their name.
Then find a spot in the circle with the other moms. The really little ones (and yes there are two month old babies that come) just hang out with their mommies. It is best to bring a blanket for them to lay on while they play. The sitters, are a bit more active and love to smile and coo when a crawler comes by. The crawlers are everywhere and all the moms help keep them in the circle. If you have an early walker, though, you may want to think about moving them up to the next level class. They may have a little more fun there with other walkers 🙂
After about 30 minutes of playtime, everyone helps gather up the toys. The librarian then leads the class in a few fun songs and rhymes to enjoy with your baby.
Then it’s time to pack up and head home (and maybe grab a pinkberry froyo or a moe’s burrito in Blue Back 🙂
So, if you are a new mom or have a little one at home, check out your local library to see if they offer fun classes.
Since my twinnies are about to turn 1 (I can’t believe it), we will be moving up to the Toddlertime class this year. I may also sign them up for the Raise-a-Reader series, though registration is required for that class.
Anyways, the West Hartford Classes will be starting up in the next few weeks (see schedule here) and I’m sure many of the other CT libraries will be beginning their winter classes as well. I’m also hoping to get over to the Farmington library to check out their Tots and Tunes class. I hear good things.
Sound fun? Get your library’s class schedule and go check them out.
THE MOMSENSE:
Babytime Class
Noah Webster Library
20 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107
http://www.westhartfordlibrary.org/
Get directions here:
Hours & Admission
Hours:
WINTER 2012 CLASS SCHEDULE
Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. January 18, 25; February 1, 8, 15, 29; March 7
REGULAR LIBRARY SCHEDULE
Monday through Thursday: 10am – 9pm
Friday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 1pm – 5pm (only open Sundays til May 20th)
Admission:
FREE
Check out other classes in this winter schedule.
FYI according to the library’s website, these are now for West Hartford residents only 🙁
Rachel – Bummer! I do know that these classes have become very popular over the years. There are also great drop-in programs at libraries all over the state. Specifically I have been to them at Farmington Library and Simsbury Library so they are everywhere. Also, even if you aren’t able to get into the class, the playroom in the back of the Noah Webster Library is amazing. I really need to post about it 🙂 Thanks for the heads up!