Remember when you weren't swamped with work and actually had someone read books to you? It was a time when reading meant colorful pictures instead of endless facts and subject matters were the adventures of farm animals or talking bears, instead of statistics or molecules.

The children's department of Schlow Memorial Library, 118 S. Fraser St., presents an opportunity for local children, parents and children-at-heart to experience a story time at both 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoons.

Upon entering the meeting room filled with books of all shapes and sizes, as well as toys and arts and crafts, one might hear the sound of curious children asking questions or making statements in reference to stories, such as, "I have a dog toooo."

The event often features a theme, and last Saturday, that theme was bugs.

Anita Ditz, who works at the library and conducts story time, read several bug-related books to the children. She said the focus on bugs was preparing the children for a book club the library is conducting throughout April called "Go Buggy about Books."

"We normally get to choose a theme at our own discretion, incorporating things such as a flannel board, songs, books and crafts," Ditz said.

Ditz said the librarians incorporate other activities in to story time to keep the children interested and get them thinking.

After reading multiple books about bugs last week, Ditz asked the children if they could think of a song involving bugs.

Immediately, multiple high-pitched voices offered "The Itsy Bitsy Spider," and all of
the children were then asked to sing toge-ther.

Ditz also had the children create crafts, and at the end of the day they got to make their own bugs.

One excited little girl ran up to Ditz with her completed bug, saying, "I made a cool dragonfly named Rainbow!"

"That's the joy of doing this," Ditz said.

The event is suggested for children up to age 7, and Ditz said she thinks the activities offered are important in many ways.

"It's a chance for parents and kids to come and do an activity together," Ditz said. "Reading aloud also enhances brain development and attention span. The children are able to follow stories better the more they are read to. We also try to make it as interactive as possible, so the children can ask lots of questions. Children that are read to a lot are better prepared for school."

Ditz said she chooses books that have large pictures and interactive qualities, because pre-school children are eager to share their views.

Elizabeth Allen, director of the library, also said these kinds of programs are important for children as well as their parents.

"It's important because it creates a fun learning environment for kids in a library," she said.

"It introduces little ones to reading, and they get to experience it with their parents. Studies show kids that are read to learn more quickly, and it's also a way for them to socialize," Allen added.

One parent said it was her and her son's first time attending story time at Schlow, and that she is thankful for the event because the local Barnes & Noble recently canceled its story time.

Schlow's story time program will feature many programs in upcoming weeks, and Ditz said she hopes local families will take advantage of what the library has to offer.

"I can't shout enough from the rooftops the importance of reading aloud to children," Ditz said.