Free Third Saturday Caboose Storytime for Ages 2-4 at DCC Depot

Families gathered in the caboose at the Delta Cultural Center Depot on Jan. 17 for the regular Third Saturday storytime, a free hour-long reading aimed at children ages 2-4. The event ran from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the DCC Depot Museum, 95 Missouri Street, Helena-West Helena, AR 72342, and included light refreshments for attendees.

The program, held in the depot's caboose, is scheduled every third Saturday and targets preschool through third grade reading levels. Organizers designed the setting to be welcoming and compact, using the museum's historic railcar to create an intimate reading environment for toddlers and caregivers. Admission was free and the session was open to the public, lowering financial barriers for families seeking early literacy opportunities.

Local museums and cultural organizations increasingly host neighborhood-level programming that serves dual roles: providing educational content for young children while driving foot traffic to downtown businesses and civic spaces. The DCC Depot's storytime connects families with the museum's broader exhibits and resources, reinforcing the depot as a community gathering place on Missouri Street. Regular, low-cost events like this contribute to early childhood development initiatives by familiarizing caregivers with age-appropriate books and literacy practices.

The Delta Cultural Center offers direct contact for parents and caregivers seeking more information or planning to attend future sessions. The DCC Education Coordinator can be reached at 870-338-4350 or by email at [email protected]. The museum is located at 95 Missouri Street in Helena-West Helena.

Sustaining recurring public programs depends on ongoing support from staff, volunteers, and the community. For municipal and cultural stakeholders, the storytime underscores how small-scale public programming can expand access to learning without significant cost to families. For residents, the Caboose Storytime provides an accessible way to introduce young children to books, create routine social interactions, and connect with local cultural assets.

As the Third Saturday series continues, families and caregivers have a reliable option for weekend educational activity that also keeps pace with downtown cultural life. For schedules, attendance questions, or accommodation requests, contact the DCC Education Coordinator at the phone number or email above.