When COVID-19 hit, librarians around the world started offering virtual storytimes: some prerecorded, and some live. Many of us who opted for prerecorded have now shifted to live virtual storytimes, due to having less time to edit, changes in publisher copyright allowances, or because our website now has a full roster of storytime videos and… Read More How to Make Your Live Virtual Storytimes Sparkle
Children come to the library for a storytime and craft in the evening. They wear pajamas and bring a stuffie. They leave their stuffie overnight at the library. Library staff takes photos or videos of the stuffies, appearing as though they have come alive and are doing silly things. The next day kids can pick… Read More Stuffie Sleepover Storytime Tips
Ever since I started using my cute little uke in storytime, I can’t imagine going without it. It adds a level of engagement and fun to each session, for everyone involved: the parents, the kids, and me! Each storytime feels like a mini concert, where everyone is the rock star. Toddlers come back to the… Read More How to Add a Ukulele to Toddler Storytime
A couple months back I blogged about How I Levelled Up My Toddler Storytime in my new position. Storytime is becoming more and more exciting for me; I’ve realized that there’s limitless room for growth. There are always new songs to learn, strategies to use, and kids to read to. Which is why I decided to make… Read More Five Green and Speckled Frogs Flannel
When I first started doing storytimes three years ago, they were fine. At their best, kids were engaged. They sat still during 2 stories and laughed at all the right times. Parents softly sang along to the songs, and helped kids complete their craft. As they left, kids gave me hugs and parents politely thanked… Read More How I Levelled Up My Toddler Storytime
I’ve decided to rebrand my all ages evening storytimes into themed party events. We still do the same things: songs, 2 – 3 picture books, 1 or 2 crafts, and freeze dance. But because of the engaging themes and party atmosphere, we get a much larger crowd. I had over 70 people at the Unicorn… Read More Unicorn Magic Party
While planning summer programs, I became super excited about the idea of throwing an over-the-top adorable Teddy Bear Picnic. We have a beautiful big park and pond behind the library. I pictured doily bunting on stakes, hanging around plaid picnic blankets. “Toss the cupcake” lawn game. Cookies on faux china plates, and lemonade in tea… Read More An Indoor Teddy Bear Picnic
There are a lot of amazing storytime resources out there for librarians, teachers, and parents. Storyline Online, presented by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, is a phenomenal place to find celebrities reading picture books (who wouldn’t want to listen to Betty White reading Harry the Dirty Dog?). The International Children’s Digital Library is a great… Read More Picture Book Reader’s Advisory
Ontarian Librarian 