Dream Builders: Arlington Public Library’s Born to Stand Out Storytime
By Ryan Hunt
Posted on July 20, 2017, July 20, 2017

"Dream Builders" is a show on MyArlingtonTV that highlights the ways our community is helping kids dream big, nurture their creativity, polish their skills and develop the tools they need to achieve their American Dream as young adults.

The latest Dream Builders focuses on the Arlington Public Library's Born to Stand Out storytime, dedicated to families raising a child with special needs.

Born to Stand Out is a "choose your own adventure" type of storytime for all ages and abilities. Stories are presented with songs, movement, activities and sensory friendly activities.

Some features include a privacy tent for children who don't feel comfortable in the center of the room, fidget toys for those who need to keep their hands busy during storytime, as well as mess-free finger painting and puzzles.

The idea for a storytime specifically for children with special needs came to an Arlington Public Library staff member, Ashley Wyche, a couple of years ago. A mother of a girl with autism asked Ashley if there was a storytime for children with special needs. This conversation prompted Wyche and fellow librarian Lisa Smant to develop the program.

Born to Stand Out will meet at 10:30 a.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month from September to November at the Southwest Branch Library, located at 3311 SW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, TX 76017.

The City's Office of Communication develops programming for MyArlingtonTV. Viewers can find MyArlingtonTV programs on the following cable systems: Spectrum Channel 16 and AT&T U-Verse channel 99, and streaming capabilities at www.arlington-tx.gov.

All episodes of Dream Builders are also available on the City's YouTube channel, Facebook page and Twitter account.

MyArlingtonTV Links:

Dream Builders, Support Quality Education
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