Timeline

Providing services for these tiny library patrons did not happen overnight. For many years a more typical storytime audience consisted of young children who could at least walk and talk.

1910
in the Library’s recently published history, From Carnegie to Cyberspace, One Hundred Years at the Central Arkansas Library System, it is noted that children’s programming began during the first year the library was opened in 1910. “Storytime sessions were held on the Saturday nearest Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The programs proved so popular that beginning in January, 1911, storytime met every Saturday morning.”[i] To this day, the library holds storytime each Saturday morning.

---

[i] Shirley Schuette and Nathania Sawyer, From Carnegie to Cyberspace: 100 Years at the Central Arkansas Library System (Little Rock, AR: Butler Center Books, 2010)33-34.

1990's
The Library launched the “Read To Me” program, funded by the Friends of Central Arkansas Libraries, in which parents of infants and toddlers were encouraged to sign their children up for library cards. Upon doing so, the child received a free board book. The Library also began conducting Toddler Programs for two year olds and began a board book circulating collection.

2006
The Library hosted a workshop to train children's librarians to do baby storytimes featuring Betsy Diamont-Cohen, author of Mother Goose On the Loose Handbook and Kit. The Library has been offering storytimes for babies using this model ever since.