York County Libraries and Connections Early Intervention and Supports are delivering Sensory Story Time at additional library locations in 2020. The program was developed with therapists to provide young children with a story time experience that works well with their sensory needs. Expanding the program to additional locations offers easier proximity for York County families who want to give this program a try.
Library staff and therapists work collaboratively to provide routine, structure, and sensory experiences in an inclusive environment to meet the needs of the children and families that attend. “Sensory Story Time integrates visual schedules, stories, movement and sensory activities that engage young children in learning,” says York County Libraries Youth Services Director Paula Gilbert. “One of the best elements of the program is that there are natural one-to-one opportunities for parents to ask the occupational therapist questions about their children should they wish. The therapist can offer strategies that parents can use within their daily routines. So not only are the children gaining from the program, but the parents are too.”
According to Gilbert, the Sensory Story Time program started at Kaltreider-Benfer Library in Red Lion. Their successful collaboration with Connections Early Intervention and Supports earned statewide recognition in 2017 from the Pennsylvania Library Association for their outstanding delivery of service to pre-k children. A $6,000 grant from York County Community Foundation’s Fund for York County enabled York County Libraries to offer sessions at some additional libraries in 2019. Parent response was positive and the decision to grow the program in 2020 was made.
“Connections Early Intervention and Supports is so proud of this collaboration with the York County Libraries,” says Connections Early Intervention and Supports Executive Director Liz Jones, MS, OTR/L. “Together, we have been able to create this program that fills such a void in our community for families and their children that may not be able to participate in library events otherwise.”
The winter session for Sensory Story Time is just getting underway. The program is designed for children ages 2 – 5. The group size for each library’s program is limited to 10 children, and registration details vary by location.
Upcoming Sensory Story Time programs will be held on the following dates and times:
Martin Library
159 E. Market Street, York, PA
(717) 849-6942
Wednesday, January 29, 10:15 a.m.
Wednesday, February 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:15 a.m.
Wednesday, March 4, 10:15 a.m.
Registration requested: yorklibraries.org events calendar
Red Land Community Library
70 Newberry Commons, Etters, PA
(717) 938-5599
Monday, February 3, 10, 17, 24, 9:30 a.m.
Registration not required
Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock
32 Main Street, Glen Rock, PA
(717) 235-1127
Tuesday, February 4, 11, 18, 25, 2:15 p.m.
Registration not required
Guthrie Memorial Library
2 Library Place, Hanover, PA
(717) 632-5183
Wednesday, February 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:15 a.m.
Registration requested: Call or sign up at children’s desk
Dover Area Community Library
3700-3 Davidsburg Road, Dover, PA
(717) 292-6814
Friday, February 7, 14, 21, 28, 10:00 a.m.
Registration requested: yorklibraries.org events calendar
Related Opportunity:
Sensory Box Saturday
Drop in play for toddlers/preschool
Saturday, February 15, March 21
Paul Smith Library
80 Constitution Ave., Shrewsbury, PA
(717) 235-4313
Registration not required
Connections Early Intervention and Supports is a York-based agency that supports families to enhance their children's development and reach their fullest potential. Their therapists help children birth to five years old with a wide variety of diagnoses and challenges to include: developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, speech and language delay, sensory processing disorder, Down Syndrome, orthopedic and neurologic disabilities, and other developmental issues. They provide free birth to three services for families within York and Adams counties that qualify for early intervention services.
York County Libraries include 13 libraries that provide the latest in print and electronic information, best sellers, Wi-Fi, story times, book discussions and more. Their librarians are passionate advocates for lifelong learning, providing opportunities and resources for all ages. Through early childhood literacy programs, they ignite a love of reading and learning in young children and empower parents as their children’s first teachers. To learn more about York County Libraries’ programs, services, and resources, go to yorklibraries.org.
