STE. GENEVIEVE – On Tuesday, February 18, Ste. Genevieve County Library will introduce a brand-new program designed for its youngest readers. The program, called Tummy Time, is aimed at both parents and children from birth to age two.
“We had a gap in our programming that really needed to be addressed,” said Assistant Director Lindsey Picou. “One of our former employees currently runs this same program in St. Louis, and after seeing it in action, we knew it would be a great fit for our community.”
Tummy Time will take place every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the library’s meeting room and run until 10:00 a.m. “We wanted to provide a private space where parents don’t have to worry about their babies fussing or leaving to change a diaper,” Picou explained. “We also wanted to give them the flexibility to transition into our regular Story Time at 10 a.m. if their child is ready, or to stay and connect with other parents in a safe and welcoming location”
The program will include one or two board books, a few songs, and exploration-based activities. “This program is really dictated by the kids,” Picou said. “Our traditional Story Time includes 2–3 books and a craft, but Tummy Time will be different every week. One week, we may not even read a book—we might just play with our music mat instead.”
Beyond early literacy, the program is designed to help new parents connect with others in the community. Thanks to a donation from the Friends of Ste. Genevieve County Library, the program will feature sensory books, music pads, and other engaging items for little ones.
“I’m excited to see how the community embraces this program,” said Library Director Shawn Long. “It’s always a gamble to introduce something new, but Lindsey has done an amazing job with Story Time. When she pitched Tummy Time to our Friends group, they were so enthusiastic that they even suggested additional items to purchase to enhance the experience.”
The goal is for Tummy Time to become a consistent weekly program, just like the library’s traditional Story Time. “The only way we can keep it going is if people show up,” Picou said. “I’m both excited and nervous, but mostly, I’m eager to offer another wonderful program to our community.”
To learn more about Tummy Time and other library programs, visit www.sgclib.org or call 573-883-3358.