Children enjoy toddler time

The toddlers dancing, hopping up and down and listening to stories couldn't have cared less whether is was National Library Week.

However, the adults listening to Green River Mayor Pete Rust's proclamation about National Library Week at the Sweetwater County Library Monday did seem to care and were grateful for all of the programs, like toddler time, the libraries host on a weekly basis.

Library patron Kendall Valenciano said she loves how her children can interact with other children her age, while she has the chance to interact with adults.

Valenciano said her three-year-old daughter is a fantastic conversation holder, but even then she still needs adult conversations.

The fact that Valenciano loves to read is just an added bonus. She said she is hoping to instill the same love of reading she has into her children.

"I'm a big lover of books," she said.

Shaundra Britton, another patron, said as a teacher she knows the importance of introducing children to reading at a young age. Britton and her children enjoy it all, toddler time, story time and the Lego Club. They not only visit the Sweetwater County Library, but the Rock Springs libraries as well. She also wants her children to socialize with others and foster a love for reading.

"I think it gets them ready for school," Britton said.

During toddler times, the toddler participants listen to stories, engage in activities and sing. They are learn how to share with other children and are taught how to wait for their turn.

Britton said the librarians are always willing to make suggestions on different books they think children would like. She said she never would have thought her children would enjoy the Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems, but they like them a lot. It's things like this that makes Sweetwater County's libraries such a great place for kids and adults alike.

"They just do a great job," Britton said.