CATO - Even for the younger crowd, there is nothing like curling up with a good book on a chilly, rainy morning.

Tuesday, several of Cato's younger citizens, along with their moms, took an opportunity to do just that at the Lang Memorial Library, as the library kicked off its fall pre-K story hour.

Children's librarian Kitrina Barnes said that the library hosts children's reading programs year round, and with summer vacation over and older children back in school, fall is the perfect time to open things up to the younger children.

“This is for pretty much everybody,” Barnes said. “From little babies up to pre-K, it is just a nice way to get out and do something on a fall day.”

Barnes kicked things off by reading a book to the children gathered called “The Hat” by Jan Brett, telling the story of how various animals end up wearing a young girl's laundry that she has hung out to dry.

Barnes said that she strives to find works for the younger children that can appeal to them on several levels, as the story hour draws children of so many different ages.

“I try different things,” Barnes said. “I have my own son who I'll read things to and if it makes him laugh or keeps him interested than I think it will usually go over well with everybody.”

But it isn't just about stories.

Barnes also makes it a very interactive time, providing crafts and snacks for all the children in attendance.

“You have to keep them interested,” Barnes said. “So we read and we sing songs and we have crafts to do and snacks, things to keep them interested and busy, so that even though it might be hard for them to sit still for a story, there are other things to keep them interested.”

Emily Spratt and her son Wyatt, 1, have been regularly attending these story hours all summer long.

“He loves it,” Spratt said. “He has really become active in everything. He used just kind of run around, but now he is really getting interested in the stories and in the crafts.”

Tuesday's activities also drew other regulars like Cindy Simons and her son Kaeden, who is almost two.

For Simons the story hour provides a great opportunity for her son.

“It helps him interact with other kids,” Barnes said. “There are always these different crafts and things to do, but there are also always other kids for him to play with, which is great.”

It also offers the moms as much chance to socialize as the kids.

“You get to talk to other moms,” Spratt said. “You get to get out for a while and talk to other moms and the kids get to play together and that is always a good thing.”

And it was these needs, of both moms and kids that Barnes had in mind when she started the program.

“I hope this helps the kids enjoy books as more than just pictures on paper,” Barnes said. “But I also hope everyone has fun and the moms have fun and the kids and moms get to spend a little time together doing something fun they can really enjoy together.”

If you go

What: Story Hour

When: 10 a.m. every Tuesday

Where: Lang Memorial Library, 25577 E. Main St., Cato

To learn more: Call 626-2101