Two Hamilton Place retailers will sponsor special storytelling sessions for children this weekend.
* Strasburg Children will present a celebration of children’s literature with an “Olivia” party Saturday.
Story time, from 2 to 4 p.m., will be hosted by representatives of Read 20, Hamilton County’s literacy initiative. Crafts, games and refreshments will be offered.
“Olivia,” about a hyperactive piglet, is a series of children’s books by Ian Falconer, who won a 2001 Caldecott Honor for the debut story and various best-of honors for other titles in the series.
Strasburg Children is on the mall’s lower level near the Dillard’s women’s store. Call 899-7276 for more information.
* Amy’s Hallmark will introduce new titles of interactive storybooks that come with a plush Story Buddy who chimes in at designated times as someone reads.
Saturday, kids can hear about “Cooper’s Big Bear Hug” at 1 p.m., “Bug ‘Em” at 3 p.m. and “Amazing Adventures of Digger & Tug” at 5 p.m.
Sunday will be devoted solely to “Cooper” at 3 p.m.
Snacks will be served both days.
Amy’s Hallmark is on the upper level by Sears. Call 296-6228 for more information.
ELSEWHERE
Weekly storytelling is offered at the following locations:
• Barnes & Noble
2100 Hamilton Place Blvd., 11 a.m. Wednesdays. 893-0186.
• Books Never-Ending
2547 Cloud Springs Road, Rossville, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays for ages 3-8. 706-861-0774, www.booksneverending.com.
Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library branches
* Downtown — Children’s Adventure Club, 4 p.m. Tuesdays; preschool storytime, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays; All-Ages Adventure Club, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays. 757-5314.
* Eastgate — Preschool storytime, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Mondays; Children’s Adventure Club, 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 855-2685.
* Northgate — Preschool storytime, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays; Children’s Adventure Club, 4 p.m. Thursdays. 870-0636.
* Ooltewah/Collegedale — Preschool storytime, 10:30 a.m. Mondays; 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays; children’s Adventure Club, 4 p.m. Wednesdays. 396-9322.
* South Chattanooga — Preschool storytime, 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. 825-7237.
Note: All branches of the Bicentennial Library will be closed Thursday-Feb. 8.