The Oceanside Public Library and Preschool Storytime

I'm a little embarrassed to admit this but we rarely go to the library! We used to go all the time but recently it has been difficult to convince Mr. B to go. Also, the last few times I picked up books for him he didn't want to read them.

Our Oceanside Public Library has several locations. There is the gorgeous Civic Center located in downtown Oceanside and is a bit of a drive. There is the Mission Branch Library which is inland and very convenient for us. Finally there is the Bookmobile which drives all over Oceanside (there is also a fourth part, the READS Literacy Center but I have never been there). The library website allows me to order books and have them delivered to any of the locations for pick up.

The Mission Branch Library was recently remolded and now has an amazing play area (equipped with a play kitchen, puppet theater and grocery store). This is great since before there was just a tiny Duplo table and some dirty peg puzzles.



Well we visited the Mission Branch Library last Friday and LOVED IT!!! We went to the expertly organized Preschool Story Time. This story-time was very well done and I can't believe it was free and available every week (of course this event was packed).

The children's librarian put on a Pete the Cat themed story-time. She read several Pete the Cat books, sang many songs and organized an art-and-crafts activity so the kids could all make their own Pete the Cat hand-puppets. She then gave out Pete the Cat stickers and activity pages and helped us find Pete the Cat books to check out and take home.

Prior to this we never heard of Pete the Cat but Mr. B loved him. He had an amazing time and Baby G was very engaged as well. Afterwards, he spent an hour playing with the other kids in the library's play area and then chose a few books to check out.

I really hope that Mr. B will let me take him again this Friday! Library story-time definitely broke up the monotony of staying home all day and was so much fun for all three of us!