By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

CHELSEA – A children’s story hour at the Chelsea Public Library on Dec. 16 turned into a hands-on learning session.

The children, who ranged in age from 1 to 4 years old, listened to library employee Elisabeth Graham read a book about the history of Christmas and Christmas traditions first. Then, they took a more active approach to Tot Spot story time.

As Graham read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Christmas 1 2 3,” she welcomed their help in counting and calling out numbers.

The children grew more excited when Graham introduced a flannel board, on which each child was allowed to place a felt piece corresponding to certain words in the book “The Night Before Christmas.”

The children and their parents enjoyed treats after story time, and Graham gave each child a reindeer, Santa or snowman headband to take home.

Tot Spot meets on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Tot Spot will not be held Dec. 30. The regular schedule will resume Jan. 6.

The Chelsea Public Library will be closed for New Year’s on Jan. 1.