Your library system has okayed outdoor storytime for the summer. You’ve read all the posts about best practices, planned a flexible program full of music, dancing, and big books and you’re ready to get started. Before you turn on your headset microphone, make sure you have these items packed in your go bag:
- Water. Don’t forget to stay hydrated! You will want to bring your own water bottle, especially if the program is off site.
- Sun protection. It will be hot and if you live in the deep south like me, it will only get hotter. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself.
- Bug spray. Is your program at a park or nature preserve? Don’t forget your bug spray! You don’t want to be slapping away mosquitos while singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It”.
- Hair tie. You WILL sweat and if you’re a long haired individual like me, you won’t regret being able to pull it up.
- A great, flexible attitude! The kids will be so excited to be back at storytime you may need to be more flexible with your plans. Don’t worry about skipping a few pages in your book to sing another round of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”. In person storytime has been gone for a while for them too.
Good luck, and may the weather be ever in your favor!
Today’s blog post was written by Cassie Chenoweth, Youth Services Librarian II at Cobb County Public Library, on behalf of the ALSC Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee.
This blog relates to ALSC Core Competencies of I. Commitment to Client Group; III. Programming Skills; and VII. Professionalism and Professional Development