Latrobe library's Wee Read combines early learning with tunes, tales

Nine preschoolers and their doting adult caretakers braved Wednesday’s rainy weather for a warm reception awaiting them at Adams Memorial Library in Latrobe.

It was the second week for the library to return to an in-person format for its Wee Read program, after offering a pandemic-forced virtual version of the gathering designed for kids age 2 ½ or younger.

Led by Karen Herc, the library’ children’s director, the program combines songs, rhymes and board books to engage the children in a fun learning experience.

The kids identified different animals and the sounds they make and shook egg-shaped noisemakers as they joined Herc in song.

The sessions are offered three times per week, at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, followed by an 11:30 a.m. story time for slightly older kids, between 2 ½ and 5.

“We want to give people some flexibility, and we’re trying not to have too many people in one session,” said Herc.

Gail Lundquist-Tobias attended the sessions years ago with her two daughters, now ages 29 and 31. She returned Wednesday with her grandson, 2-year-old J.J. Stickle.

“He loves books, and he gets to have socialization with other kids,” she said.

Debbie Kuhn of Latrobe, who works as a nurse, came with five of her grandchildren. “It’s my day off, when I get to babysit,” she said.

She said the Wee Read program is an ideal way to provide the kids positive stimulation while they learn socialization skills.

“It does pay off,” she said.

Advance registration is requested for Wee Read. The library continues to also offer online children’s programming.

Visit adamslib.org or call 724-539-1972 for more information.