Storytimes
The library offers many different types of storytimes. We run seasonal storytimes in six-week series. These generally are scheduled in Jan-Feb for Winter Storytime, March-May for Spring Storytime, July-August for Summer Storytime, and October-November for Fall Storytime. Please check our event calendar to see if storytimes are in session.
We do not require registration for weekly storytimes. Please keep an eye out on our event calendar, website and/or social media for information storytime cancellations due to illness or bad weather.
Occasionally, the Children's Room will host special event storytimes to tie into different celebrations or books. Please check our event calendar to see if we have any upcoming special event storytimes. Those usually require registration, so be sure to sign-up if you plan to attend.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
"Children need to hear a thousand stories before they can begin to learn to read. Or the same story a thousand times!” - author Mem Fox
1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a reading activity for preschoolers and their families. Reading aloud to children is the #1 way to prepare them for reading! It instills a love of books and familiarizes children with print, words, sounds, and how it all comes together to create language and reading. "1000 Books" is a great way to track and celebrate reading aloud!
Families simply begin by picking up a log for the first 100 books at the Children's Desk. With their child or on their own, they keep track every time they read a book together. Repeat readings count - so even though you might be sick of your child's favorite repeated book, each of those times checks off another book on your 1000 books goal! You can also count books the librarian reads at storytime, or books they may hear in daycare, from older siblings, and the babysitter!
Every time they reach 100 books, the child gets a sticker and a new log. There is also a halfway prize, and a display in the children's room for kids to show off their progress. When families reach 1000 Books, they are rewarded a new picture book and a tote bag with our 1000 Books Logo. Caregivers will also receive a $10 gift card to a local dining establishment, thanks to a generous donation from Coastal1 Credit Union.
This event is sponsored by The Friends of the Cumberland Public Library and Coastal1 Credit Union.
Reading Logs and Challenges
The children's room offers two general reading logs to add variety to your child's reading. The "Read the Room" Log is for picture books and the "Build Your Bookshelf" log is for different genres and subjects in any book format. Please pick up a reading log at the children's desk to participate. Children get an oversize sticker for completing a log, and may complete more than one.
The library hosts an annual Summer Reading Program, as well as occasional seasonal reaching challenges using the free service Beanstack. You can see what we are currently offering by visiting https://cumberlandplri.beanstack.org/ or downloading the free Beanstack app for Apple or Android.