More than a dozen Storytime to Go Bags are available for checkout at Mansfield Public Library in Temple.
Each bag has a different theme, and all the materials, including books, games, compact discs and learning toys, relate to that theme. Themes include Princess Party, Dinosaur Stomp, Down on the Farm, All Aboard! (Trains), Happy Birthday to You and Oceans of Possibilities. Patrons can check out one bag at a time for a two-week period.
The bags were made possible by funding through the Institute for Museum and Library Services’ Grants to States program.
“We are very grateful for the funds we received through this program,” stated Mansfield Public Library Director Beth Crooker. “It has transformed our children’s programming.”
In addition to the bags, the grant has been used to purchase new child-size picnic tables, indoor/outdoor story time cushions, new furniture for the children’s room and art supplies.
“This grant sends a very important message about the value we place on the children and families in our community,” stated Crooker. “More than anything, this grant is an investment in our children that will pay dividends by promoting a love of literacy and community in our youngest patrons. COVID created many obstacles to our children’s programming, but this grant will allow us to continue offering safe and fun story time programming through the pandemic and beyond.”