The Kenai Chamber of Commerce’s Cultural Center introduced a new storytime program designed for children 8 and under, with a focus on Alaskan history, Native culture, and folklore.
Danielle Lopez Stamm, the Cultural Center Coordinator, says the program is currently held on the second and third Mondays of the month at 11 a.m. inside the Cultural Center. “We’re testing the waters to see what works, but eventually, we may offer it every Monday,” said Stamm.
Each storytime features storytelling using children’s books rooted in Alaskan and Indigenous cultures, including some Canadian Inuit stories due to cultural overlaps. After the reading, children can explore relevant artifacts tied to the story’s theme.
Stamm emphasized that older siblings are welcome to attend.
“We are talking about extending it all year long,” Said Stamm. “In the winter, I’m trying to do even more activities because children, especially in this area, really need winter activities. It’s so hard to find things for them to do, so we’re trying to make more activities that are history and culture-related for our younger kids.”
The upcoming storytimes in the Cultural Center are on July 7 and July 21st at 11 am.
For more information, visit kenaichamber.org.
