Cumming Library hosts Explorer Tots to boost early STEM skills

On Friday morning, Jan. 9, the Cumming Library welcomed babies, toddlers and caregivers for Explorer Tots, a free 45-minute program that encouraged young children to explore how things work while building early literacy and motor skills. The session, held in the Cumming Meeting Room from 11:00 to 11:45 AM, mixed a brief story time with a free-play rotation through exploration centers featuring Duplo LEGOs®, sorting activities, treasure boxes and sensory bins.

Designed for children ages 9 months and up and open to siblings, the program required no registration, lowering barriers for families juggling unpredictable schedules, transportation and childcare costs. Library staff said the format allowed very young children to engage at their own pace in small sensory-rich experiences that are foundational to language development, problem-solving and fine motor coordination.

Public libraries like Cumming offer more than books; they act as community health partners by providing accessible developmental supports outside clinical settings. For many Forsyth County families, especially those with limited access to paid early learning programs, free drop-in events can fill gaps in enrichment opportunities that contribute to school readiness. Sensory play, early STEM experiences and shared story time all promote skills that public health experts link to better long-term outcomes in education and well-being.

The session also served a social purpose for caregivers, offering connection and informal peer support in a county where rising childcare costs and variable leave policies can leave parents seeking low-cost, reliable options for developmental activities. By keeping the event free and registration-free, the library reduced friction for families who might otherwise miss small but important early learning experiences.

Practical details and follow-up were kept simple: attendees could bring siblings, and anyone with questions was directed to ask@ForsythPL.org or to call 770-781-9840, option 3. The meeting-room setting emphasized a small-group, exploratory atmosphere rather than a formal classroom, which can be less intimidating for infants and new parents.

Our two cents? If you missed this Explorer Tots session, keep an eye on the library calendar and plan for hands-on activities at home: short story times, simple sorting games, and a small bin of tactile objects can reinforce what children experienced in the meeting room. These low-cost interactions matter — they’re how little hands build big futures.