Description
Book SynopsisStory time is a popular activity in public libraries. Unfortunately, many librarians (and not just children's librarians) are thrust into the role of providing this service have not taken a course or had the necessary experience of performing story times. Story times are so popular that they are now offered to children of many ages, not just to preschoolers. This book will help librarians who have never done story time to learn to promote, plan, and perform story times, and will be useful to experienced librarians to build on their story time repertoires. Because story times are essential components of library service to children and in such demand, in many libraries, even librarians who have never done story time before are being asked to step into that role. Story Time Success: A Practical Guide for Librarians is comprehensive handbook which can help any librarian learn to promote, plan, and perform story times even with no prior training or experience. Key elements include: Cus
Trade ReviewStorytimes have a long history in library-program repertories and continue to serve as an important early literacy experience. This book provides a straightforward guide to planning and implementing basic library storytime programs for preschoolers. This book presents a traditional view of preschooler storytime programs. Technology is included in terms of communications channels, but otherwise, it has a low profile. Fitzgerald begins by explaining storytimes and their purpose. Then she explains how to schedule and promote library storytimes, including a comparison of an informative and uninformative flyer. . . There is a useful annotated list of stories for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers as well as appropriate songs and rhymes. The last chapter addresses typical problems that might arise during storytimes: disruptive children and adults, safety and security issues, scheduling and registration issues, early career issues, and health concerns. . . .The writing is very accessible and practical. This resource is a decent starting place for a programming coordinator to plan and deliver a successful basic library storytime. * Booklist *
Fitzgerald, a former librarian in New York and Washington, D.C., provides a resource, especially suited for beginning librarians or paraprofessionals as she covers the key points of creating, promoting, and performing storytimes.... Fitzgerald adds value with detailed information about setting up a room for more effective audience participation and using props and crafts to provide social opportunities for listeners. The section on outreach mentions making connections with schools and daycares and also suggests looking into local business, rec centers, hospitals, and religious organizations as possible places to actively bring storytime into the community. Advice on the actual performance, such as dealing with performance anxiety, managing audience behavior (with specific examples), and controlling your voice, provide tips pointed towards the first-time storyteller, while guidance on issues such as program registration and cancellations, safety and security, and addressing concerns with caregivers speak to larger challenges a librarian may face. Suggestions for themes and books, program templates, and an index are included. * The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *
