By Gary Kramer

special to pop

Cleveland Area Rapid Transit and the Norman Public Library will turn wheels and pages with Story Time on the Bus Saturday.

The story time, designed for children 2 to 5 years old, is part of a growing partnership between the bus system and the library to be held the first Saturday of the month.

"We are always looking for ways to take our library services beyond the library walls," said Norman children's librarian Charlotte Gordon, who said the library already holds story time activities for children in schools and daycare centers, along with a Tuesday morning story time at the Sooner Mall. "Now we are taking our show on the road by having a special story time on the bus."

The inaugural Story Time on the Bus will be Saturday. Space on the bus is limited, so story time riders are encouraged to save a seat by registering in advance at the library or by calling 701-2600.

Story Time on the Bus riders should meet Gordon at 11 a.m. at the bus stop on Webster Avenue on the west side of the library, 225 N. Webster Ave.

Gordon and CART staff will explain bus procedures for first-time riders and will have a special gift for story time participants.

Story Time on the Bus riders will board the bus at 11:10 a.m. As the bus takes them on a 45-minute ride, the children will listen to stories and sing songs before getting off the bus at the Main and Webster stop, one block from the library.

Since the group will walk back to the library from the stop, Gordon said it is important every child is accompanied by a parent or adult.

Regular bus fares will apply, 50 cents for adults; 25 cents for children 6 to 17 years old, seniors and those with disabilities and free for children younger than 6 years old.

If financial help is needed, Gordon said the library can assist with bus fares.

Story Time on the Bus is part of the READ -- RIDE collaboration between CART and the Pioneer Library System, designed to encourage use of the public library and public transportation.

The Main Street bus stops at the library 10 minutes after the hour, every hour from 7 a.m to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The library is on the N10 red route of the CART system. Visit www.RideCART.com for more bus routes, exact stop times and bus stop locations.