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When the kids are young and they're at home, it's easy to fall into a schedule that doesn't include ventures into the wide, wide world. There's all that stuff to carry around wherever you go, not to mention the one or more wiggle wizards a parent has to attempt to bathe and clothe and wrangle into a vehicle. There's all of this to do and by a certain time or else out comes the stink eye, the bane of the existence of the chronically tardy (read: practically all parents of young children).

Plus, the cost of museum admission, afternoons at the movies and playdates at the local bounce house warehouse can add up, and quick.

Have no fear, Tulsa parents. Storytime at <a href="http://www.tulsalibrary.org/">Tulsa City-County Library</a> is here.

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My favorite perk of storytime at the libraries in our area? They're free and open to the public, and no RSVP is required.
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Second, they come in a variety of times, locations and formats. There's bound to be a combination of these three variables that suits you and your kids.

While my son and I are usually conoisseurs of the pajama storytime (we like the one held at the Herman &amp; Kate Kaiser Library at LaFortune Park, held usually at around 7pm once a week or so), we woke up one day and decided we wanted to try storytime in a different flavor. The 10am at Hardesty Regional Library, just north of the Creek Turnpike off of Memorial Drive, sounded perfect.
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I love the storytime room at Hardesty. It's like being in a crazy, painted animal world, and I mean that in a really, really good way. Half the fun of storytime in that room for my son is pointing out and naming the animals and objects depicted on the walls.
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"Mommy? Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?"

"Uh, yeah? I'm listening."

"There's a BUTTERFLY over there."

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Never mind how he attempts to get my attention when it's urgently needed. If you're ever looking for a show featuring intense drama and aerobatics, that's when you'll find it.

Storytime at Tulsa libraries isn't about sitting Indian-style in a circle, listening to an adult read a book while attempting to remain quiet as a mouse a la what I remember from first grade. Yeah, there is a part where a grown-up reads to the kids from a book, but there's also other fun stuff to do, like sing songs, watch an impromptu puppet show, play games, act out scenes from the book with silk scarves and, best of all, bubble blowing.
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Parents are welcome to participate, too. Which works out really well for me, because I love bubbles. And songs. And silk scarves.

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And stickers, too, but I didn't ask for one this time. You know, just because. Whatever. No big deal. It's cool.
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Ready to head to storytime? <a href="http://www.tulsalibrary.org/eventguide/">Check TulsaLibrary.org in the Events section</a> and spend a few minutes clicking through the calendar. If you have questions or are having trouble deciding which storytime is best for your kids, don't hesitate to talk to a librarian at (918) 549-7323. They're friendly, and they've always been eager to help me find what I'm looking for, and often more.

A final note to parents: If you're struggling to come up with exciting and engaging things for your kids to do day after day, the library is an incredible resource, both for weekday as well as weekend activities. I continue to be impressed by the range of programming the library offers, ranging from crafting workshops for tweens to LEGO contests to cultural and holiday activities, all day, every day, year-round. I post them all here at TDT every day, but <a href="http://www.tulsalibrary.org/">check the library's site</a> when you need to plan more than a few days ahead.

Enjoy!