Storytimes

NOTE: Babytime will be virtual due to COVID through February.

Early exposure to talking, singing, playing, reading, and writing are the building blocks of literacy. Children from birth through their second year are invited to enjoy finger-plays, nursery rhymes, rhythmic activities, books, and free play with their caregivers.

Thursdays, 10 a.m., 
Jan. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 
Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24, 
Video Premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube channels

NOTE: This story time will now be virtual due to COVID. Watch the video premiere on Willard's Facebook Page or YouTube channel.

Warm up with Miss Nikki as she reads a story and leads preschoolers in singing and dancing to some of our favorite songs. The story, "You Make Me Smile," by Layn Marlow will warm your heart as a boy sets off on an adventure to make a snowman, but discovers there might not be enough snow. Learn how to do the Snowman Shuffle and receive a snowman craft to make at home.

Monday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. ,
Craft video premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube channels,

Tuesday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m.,
Video premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube channels,

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m.,
Video premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube channels

Love comes in many forms. During this story time, Miss Chelsea will read Diane Adams’ book “Love is” about the love a little girl has for her pet duck. In addition, she will talk about some ways to show loved ones how much you love them.

Monday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m.,
Video premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube channels

Where does love grow? Everywhere! Join Miss Alisha for a story time that celebrates the many ways love grows to make a brighter world. The fun will include dancing, singing, and a fun heart craft to take home.

Monday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.,
Video premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube channels

What the world needs now is love, sweet love! Join Miss Tynisha as she reads “Love is Here” by Mike Malbrough. It’s a wonderful story about a child taking a magical adventure in search for love. She quickly learns that love lives everywhere, in everything, and in everyone. This interactive story time will include phonemic awareness, songs, and imaginative play.

Monday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.,
Video premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube channels

Help celebrate diversity by spreading love and kindness throughout our community. Join Miss Nikki to sing songs, dance, listen to a story, and talk about the importance of showing everyone love and kindness. Preschoolers will hear the story, "A Book of Love" by Emma Randall. This adorable story reminds us that love and kindness are something everyone needs, and we can show it in many ways.

Monday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m.,
Video premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube channels

NOTE: This program has been canceled due to COVID.

Join Miss Stephanie and Battle Creek Police Department officers for a fun-filled story time. School-aged children will enjoy listening to a story, meeting our city's police officers, and taking home police-related crafts and giveaways. Attendees must wear masks. Parking is available directly across the street. Materials for the craft will be in the January School Age Grab ’n’ Go Kits.

Tuesday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m.,
Battle Creek Police Department,
Community Room,
34 N. Division St.

NOTE: The Sensory Playdates have been canceled due to COVID.

The Sensory Playdate features hands-on activities for preschoolers and kindergarteners. Miss Stephanie will lead children in activities designed to encourage development of fine motor skills, scientific thinking, and problem solving.
 
Monday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m., 
Downtown Children’s Room,

Monday, Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m., 
Downtown Children’s Room