The St. Albert Public Library’s Baby Storytime event is making a big post-COVID comeback.
Geared towards children under 18 months, Baby Storytime invites parents to bring their little ones to seniors' residences for an hour of singing, storytelling and visiting with seniors.
Last Friday the program started another six-week run at the Everitt Gardens Retirement Residence.
“After COVID, I thought there might not be a whole lot of parents wanting to visit [seniors residences],” said recreational therapist Lori Kary, who helps facilitate the program.
“That hasn’t been the case — the parents really love coming here … Usually it’s a full room.”
Emily Brady, a community outreach librarian with the St. Albert Public Library, said Baby Storytime is a great way to promote positive views of aging.
“It’s community-building,” she said. “It helps people make friendships in places they might not have considered.”
Parent Sheila Mostowich said the program has helped her meet other moms and connect with seniors.
“I’m also learning a ton of rhymes, and songs and stories,” she said. “I’m bringing a lot of valuable stuff home.”
Everitt Gardens resident Collette Cadieux said she always looks forward to seeing the "little ones," especially now that her family are all fully grown.
“It’s charming,” she said.
The same families come by regularly, so she recognizes some of the kids.
“The little ones are learning from the big ones now,” she said. “It’s so cute to see the change.”
Resident Rock Proulx said "it’s quite a nice event.”
“We really enjoy them,” he said.
