OLD TOWN – The Old Town Public Library offers a vibrant story hour program for children ages 3 to 6. It is held 3:30-4:15 p.m. Mondays.

Wonderful stories are shared with the children by children’s librarian Cynthia Seger. These sessions are not only fun and entertaining, but educational as well. Each program is filled with stories, songs and crafts.

Library Director Valerie Osborne is a firm believer that children learn from the language they hear. Thus it makes sense that the richer the language environment, the richer the language learning.

Since this process of learning language continues all during the developmental years, Osborne said, those years need to be filled with the wealth of exciting words found in good books.

When children are surrounded with rich examples of the language found in good books, they develop a memory warehouse of images and story patterns to draw upon for their own expression.

Libraries offer story hours and toddler times as a means of providing language experiences for children as well as opportunities for young children to socialize with their peers. These are invaluable experiences for young children.

When children see adults excited about books, they get excited about books.

“Stop by a story hour and watch the looks on the faces of the youngsters as they listen to Cindy Seger share a book. Her love of books makes the stories come alive for the children. When kids and books connect, something truly magical happens,” Osborne said.

Parents or caregivers are encouraged to bring their youngsters to Story Hour Monday afternoons. While there, take time to browse the shelves of the children’s section.

The Old Town Public Library has an outstanding selection of picture books for pre-school children. Get a library card and take some home to share during the week with your children. It will be time well spent.

Old Town Public Library is located at 46 Middle St. For information, call 827-3972 or visit www.old-town.lib.me.us/