The University Book Store will host a creative learning program for elementary age school children beginning Saturday, Sept. 7 — a program that has been running for the past five years.

Story Time activities and supplies for the children are funded solely by the University Book Store. All the story tellers and activity leaders are volunteers.

Joyce O’Donnell, UBS general books supervisor, runs all of the activities for Story Time. “Story Time is a great experience for our volunteers as well as the children,” she said.

She has drawn most of her young participants from Story County day cares, which all receive flyers from UBS, informing them of the week’s activities and upcoming special events.

O’Donnell said she is enthusiastic about recruiting student volunteers. “All students are encouraged to participate, especially elementary ed. and human development majors.”

Emily Olson, who recently graduated in marketing, said her involvement was an added bonus to her studies at ISU.

Many children return weekly for the activities. “It’s a great experience to see kids come back,” Olson said.

Olson also encourages ISU students to become volunteers. “The more input we get, the more creative and varied our activities are.”

In addition to listening to stories, children can participate in games, singing and coloring activities. The volunteers also put on puppet shows and don costumes to entertain the children.

One of the guest characters Story Time will feature is Curious George, who will be at Story Time on Sept. 21 to greet the children and participate in their activities.

This weekend, the children will be celebrating Grandparent’s Day by making cards and other small gifts. Any child who brings a grandparent with them will receive 20 percent off any item in the general books section.

“Parents have very positive comments and suggestions,” Olson said. “Many will stay with their kids and get involved in the activities.”

On an average weekend 10 to 15 children attend the program. For special events, the group sometimes grows to forty-five.

Story Time will run from 10-11 a.m. every Saturday throughout the school year. For more information on the program and upcoming special events, contact the UBS at 294-5684.