Kids & Family

Surf Spot Hosts Library's Musical Storytime

The Pacifica Libraries popular Musical Storytime program drew a crowd of little ones and their caregivers to Surf Spot last week.

In 2000, Thom Ball, who manages the two libraries in Pacifica — Sanchez and Sharp Park — created a Musical Storytime program that combines children's music and storytelling in a live performance. It's no wonder since Ball is a former professional musician turned librarian.

Today, the Musical Storytime program is still going strong. So much so, Pacifica Patch couldn't resist posting these photos of the Pacifica Libraries' most recent Musical Storytime held at Surf Spot restaurant, which provided the perfect venue. Librarian Ashley Larsen captivated an audience of all ages with her storytelling, accompanied by Ball on guitar and keyboardist Nicol Cassidy-White, who also read stories, along with Sue Beckmeyer.

During a Musical Storytime, audience members are encouraged to sing along with their kids and to take the song sheets home.

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"Live performance is becoming less accessible to younger children — parents comment often on this aspect of the storytime, how much they appreciate their children getting to hear live performance," says Ball in a blog interview on the San Mateo County Library's website.

Most times, Musical Storytime is held at the Sanchez Library on Fridays 4 p.m. Click here for upcoming dates and times.

Find out what's happening in Pacificawith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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