Midtown Reader Kidtown

Tallahassee Bookstore Holds Weekly Storytime

Photo by Tom Hermans on Unsplash

Stories, animals, food and fun for the whole family in midtown.

The Midtown Reader held their weekly Kidtown event with the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital (TMH) animal therapy program on Sat. Jan. 27. Children and families from all over Tallahassee were invited to come to the Midtown bookstore from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to hear a short story about an animal and meet that animal afterward.

Saturday’s story was “Don’t Eat Bees,” a silly children’s book that teaches kids what dogs should and should not eat. A volunteer from the TMH animal therapy program brought Louie the dog and read the story to the children. After reading, the families had the chance to meet Louie and take pictures, as well as get stickers, coloring sheets and baked goods.

“We were thrilled to see so many children on Saturday,” TMH Animal Therapist Rhonda Tullos said. “It was Louie’s 7th birthday and he just loves seeing so many kids. He had a big smile and lots of tail wags.”

The Midtown Reader celebrated seven years back in November and Kidtown has been an active event since. Families look forward to Saturdays, as well as Wednesdays during the summertime, to get out of the house and find an educational and entertaining way to have fun. The event is a hit for all ages with the store describing it as a way to open their doors and get more involved with the community.

“The community loves it,” event coordinator Jess Harris said. “It’s a guarantee for a Saturday.”

In the past, there have been animals including guinea pigs, birds, dogs and even the owner’s chickens. There are always fun activities after the reading like coloring sheets and games as well as costumes for the kids to wear.

“With a Kidtown like TMH,” Harris said. “It’s the same general reaction because people are excited to come out.”

After the event, families are invited to visit the upstairs Piebrary in the store which offers pies and coffee through a partnership with TC Bakery and Argonaut Coffee.

“One of the things we’ve learned as a bookstore is that we’re not just selling books,” Owner Sally Bradshaw said. “We’re providing an experience.”