By Payton Tholstrup

The Clay Center Carnegie Library has offered Preschool Story Time for nearly 20 years. The program starts in September, lasts through April, and is scheduled every Thursday morning at 10:30. Two age groups are available; one for children 2 and under, led by Miss Kim, and a 3 and above group, led by Pixie Knepper, the Children’s Librarian.

Those in the younger group can expect simple songs and stories with music, as well as scarves, balls, and bubbles.

The 3 and above group has a different theme every week. Parents and caregivers can expect story time to last about 40 minutes. “We start with a welcome song, read 3-5 books, do a craft, and end with a snack,” she said, adding that they go outside for playtime sometimes if the weather permits.

While Knepper plans many different themes each season, fall is the most fun for her. “Fall is a favorite time of the year for planning story times, as there are lots of fun themes to work with, such as sunflowers, apples, leaves, owls, bats, pumpkins, and turkeys,” Knepper said.

Bunnies, lambs, and goats have all made appearances during storytime. The local firemen have also visited and are a big hit with the children. Santa makes an appearance every year in mid-December, adding to the holiday festivities.

“I enjoy seeing the children develop a love for books, which is where the love of reading begins.”