Getting Started with Virtual Storytimes

Image by Kidaha from Pixabay

Some of us have been doing online storytimes since our libraries have closed down. Others of us have not yet started. Either way, here are three great WebJunction resources to get you started or refreshed in doing storytimes online.

Saroj Ghoting, early literacy consultant extraordinaire, has written two great blog posts with wise words and great tips on adapting your IRL storytime style to the small and more intimate screen:

Library Storytimes During COVID-19: A Different Kind of Connection  5/6/20

Library Storytimes During COVID-19: Connecting with Families   5/14/20


And Renee Grassi, Youth Services Manager at the Dakota County (MN) Libraries and tireless advocate for accessibility, has an upcoming free webinar on June 16:

Getting Started with Virtual Storytimes

Tuesday, June 16, 2020 ◆ 2:00 pm CST  ◆ 90 minutes
Registration: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/getting-started-with-virtual-storytimes.html

Many libraries are moving their storytimes online, to be able to engage with families during times of social distancing. If you want to launch virtual storytimes at your library, but don’t know where to start, this webinar is for you! This comprehensive introduction to virtual storytimes will include book selection and copyright, technology and social media tools, strategies for accessibility and inclusion, early literacy activities, and ideas for promotion. Learn lessons on how to create a dynamic and engaging online presence and building a rapport with your virtual audience.

Thanks to Tessa Michaelson Schmidt for the heads-up!

Virtual Storytimes YSS blog COVID-19 series:

• Online Storytime Creation Tools  11/18/20
• Flipgard, Fanfare and Friends: Celebrity Storytime  9/23/20
• ALSC Virtual Storytime Guide is Out!  6/11/20
• Getting Started with Virtual Storytimes  5/27/20
• “How to Do a Virtual Storytime” Webinars 4/13/20
• Tips on Doing Online Storytimes During COVID-19 Closures 3/16/20; updated 3/20/20
• Storytime Goes Digital 3/20/20
• Digital Storytimes- You Do You! 3/31/20
• Digital Storytime, Screen Time and Intentionality – Oh My 4/6/20
• Facebook Live Online Storytime Tips 3/24/20
• Fixing "My Book is Backwards in Online Storytime!" on iPhone 3/22/20

Permissions (Books, Authors and Music) YSS blog COVID-19 series:

• Many Children’s Books COVID-19 Publisher Permissions Extended  6/24/20
• Virtual Storytime – Tips on Fair Use & Kids’ Privacy 5/4/20
• Want Permission? Current Info on Publishers and Authors 3/22/20; updated 4/23/20
•       Music Permissions? Look No Further  3/27/20; updated 3/31/20