WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Public Library invites preschool children and their grownups to weekly programs designed just for them. Monday through Thursday mornings, the library offers a story time planned with different ages and stages of development in mind. These programs include a variety of activities in a fun group setting. Together they sing songs, chant rhymes, move around and “shake our sillies out,” and of course, read stories. At the end kids have the opportunity for creative play with toys, arts or crafts.

“Mondays with Teddy,” story time for infants up to age 2, begins at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15. Story times for toddlers and older preschoolers begin the second full week of September. The groups will meet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays for 2-year-olds, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays for 3-year-olds, and 10:30 a.m. Thursdays for 4- and 5-year olds.

Young children get so much out of library story time. Singing and reading activities boost their language development. Movement and play activities support physical development of skills like coordination, balance, strength and dexterity. Stories stoke a child’s imagination and curiosity about the world. Library story time is also a way for preschoolers to practice listening and interacting with other children and grown-ups, to get ready for kindergarten.

Infants benefit from story time as well. The library’s story time programs for infants emphasize interaction. Bonding with babies over books nurtures a positive association with reading. Talking, singing songs and acting out rhymes all build vocabulary, even at an early age. Active play is a way for babies to practice everything they’re learning.

Library story time is for parents and caregivers too. It’s free and does not require a lot of advance planning (no registration required). It’s a chance to socialize with other grownups and to get ideas for new books, songs, and activities. It’s a friendly environment in which to practice supporting your child’s literacy by talking, singing, reading, writing and playing.