star staff
  jlassiter@starhq.com

  The Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library hosts a weekly interactive Storytime for children and toddlers. The new program is a fun time for parents and kids.
  Ashlee Williams, an Early Childhood and Development major at East Tennessee State University, created the children's programs at the library in September, and has had quite the turnout since then.
  Each week toddlers and parents gather in a semi-circle on the floor around Williams, who prepares a themed story each week, which includes a musical parade around the room, a story from a book, a song and a craft that they can take home.
  Breaking the time down into different events helps keep the children busy and their attention focused on the class. " I never have a problem with behavior," Williams said.
  "It's been going really well," said Williams. We might have to schedule two times for the event because we are having such a turnout, she said.
  Parents stay in the room while the kids participate in activities. Many parents bring cameras and record their child's visit on film. Storytime allows parents to be involved with their child's learning experience while interacting with other children their own age.
  Storytime is for infants thru preschool-aged kids. The class begin on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for an hour. StoryClub is for elementary-aged students and begins after-school (3:30 p.m.) every Tuesday. No reservations are required, and all children are welcome.
  To learn more about Storytime and StoryClub, visit the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library at 201 North Sycamore St., Elizabethton, TN 37643 or call (423) 547-6360.