When my brother passed away at 65, we had a big gathering and one of his friends talked about knowing him for 50+ years. Friends from grade school and college, as well as colleagues who had taught with him came to honor their friend. Keeping in touch with people was important to him and he was blessed by his efforts.

Several months ago, Sharon, my friend and colleague said she had a story about a library friendship that might be of interest. She told me that her daughter-in-law, Melissa, had attended Ms. Julie’s Baby and Toddler classes and she met another mom, Kacey. They became friends. This is how Melissa described their friendship.

“We met at Book Babies in 2016 and right away discovered much in common with each other as our babies were only two weeks apart in age. What started with swapping ideas about parenting tips and the latest leap our toddlers were going through, turned into play dates and friendship. Now, seven years later, we have watched our babies grow into big kids and added two little sisters to the group. Our families enjoy getting together for outings, birthdays, camping, and we embarked on our first National Park trip together this summer. For years and still to this day, we swap babysitting and enjoy visiting while the kids play every time we get together. (Moms know how much we need that!) It’s truly been a joy to have a friend to go through all the parenting milestones with.”

And they met at the library! One of the tenets of our programs for babies and toddlers is to build in time for socialization. For a one-year-old that is getting used to being with other children and adults, sharing toys, and becoming aware of themselves as separate from their parents. For parents it is enjoying time with their child and sharing that experience with other parents and children.

Ms. Julie talked about building relationships in this way. “I am excited to report that many friendships have begun in the Book Babies and Toddler Tales classes at the O’Fallon Public Library. Although we focus on the 3 R’s of Rhythm, Rhyme and Repetition in these classes, I think we can proudly add a 4th R of Relationship Building. Research suggests that when we sing, clap, bounce, or dance in time to music or a steady beat, these shared experiences of synchronous movement help form social bonds between us and our babies!”

Language is a big part of our early childhood classes. We use nursery rhymes not just because they are well known and loved but also because they use very memorable, rhythmic, and rich language. We always encourage singing, talking, rhyming, and reading with children of all ages. We emphasize that repetition is the magic brain cell builder. Reading that annoying book your toddler begs you to read again and again is surprisingly beneficial.

We invite you to be a part of our library community. The benefits may be as surprisingly satisfying and as long lasting as they have been for Melissa, Kacey, and their families.

Book Babies meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 9:30 & 10:15.

Toddler Tales meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 9:30 & 10:15.