Road construction near the Gloucester Library branch at Gloucester Point is taking its toll on the story time program for youngsters.

Dolores Breen, library specialist, said that maybe two children per session are now attending each of two story times on Wednesdays, compared to eight children per session a year ago. "The construction is terrible," Breen said, as it makes access from Route 17 to the branch difficult.

Ginny Snowden, adult programs coordinator, said overall circulation at the branch has fallen at least 25 percent since 2008, due mostly to the road construction in that corridor which is not expected to be completed until the fall of 2011.

Although the attendance for story time is down, Breen said, the library staff and volunteer Harry Berquist still offer sessions at 11 a.m. for 2-3 year olds and at 1 p.m. for 4-5 year olds.

Story time themes vary each month. Breen said the October theme is fall stories. In November, the theme will be "giving than...