If you read this blog regularly, then you are aware that ALSC is currently creating a Virtual Storytime Services Resource Guide, offering tips and ideas for supporting virtual early childhood programming during the pandemic and beyond.
However, not all libraries may be able to create their own virtual content. Maybe they can film some short videos but feel like it is not enough. Or perhaps a library wants to supplement their own offerings with the plethora of material available elsewhere. There are also marginalized and under-served groups that require libraries to work creatively to meet their needs.
To that end, one portion of the Virtual Storytime Services Resource Guide will focus on “Connecting Communities to Other Virtual Storytime Providers,” items that will meet these needs. The work group focused on resources offered in different languages, including American Sign Language, as well as websites that encourage parents to take on their roles as their children’s first teachers. Of course, the guide includes some links that are just great fun—who wouldn’t want to watch a storytime from space?
The goal is to make this guide helpful to all library staff, no matter what their virtual programming plans may entail.
Keep reading the blog for further updates on this project!
The Connecting Communities to Other Virtual Storytime Providers team includes:
Kate Brunner is the Regional Literacy Specialist for the Colorado State Library/Growing Readers Together and is a Children’s Services Manager for Pine River Library. She is a member of the ALSC’s Advocacy and Legislation Committee and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries’ Advocacy Committee.
Amalia E. Butler, Senior Children’s Librarian at Maplewood Memorial Library (NJ), is current chair of the ALSC Managing Children’s Services committee and a member of the ALSC Children & Libraries Editorial Advisory committee who can be reached at amalia.e.butler@gmail.com .
Kirsten Grünberg is the Youth Services Supervisor at the Hyattsville Library of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System in Maryland. She is currently Vice President of the REFORMA Mid Atlantic Chapter and can be reached at kirsten.grunberg@pgcmls.info.
Maria Trivisonno is the Children’s Branch Services Supervisor at the Mayfield Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. She is a member of the Managing Children’s Services committee and can be reached at mtrivisonno@cuyahogalibrary.org.
This post addresses the core competencies of I. Commitment to Client Group and III. . Programming Skills .