Storytime continues! Library staff delight with online performances

Parents with small children will be thrilled to know that Wagga Wagga City Library’s popular Storytime is continuing online.

Library staff are recording themselves reading stories – or going on a bear hunt in their own backyard – and posting the videos onto the library’s Facebook page.

Library Services Manager Claire Campbell said the library team were doing all they could to help reassure and stay connected with their regular audiences and importantly reach out to new community members who have not participated in Storytime previously.

“We thought it was important to continue Storytime online, because children get to know the team members who read to them each week.

“It’s one thing to have a stranger read a book, but if it’s that same person they see when they come into the library and have a laugh with, watching them online is reassuring,” Ms Campbell said.

“We think it’s important to keep that relationship going, especially when there’s so many strange things happening. When children see that familiar face and hear their voice, it’s comforting.”

Libraries around the world are working to connect with families through online Storytime, and authors are helping by making their work available.

“Lots of authors have lifted the copyright on their books during this pandemic which is why we can read their stories aloud, because normally you can’t broadcast someone else’s work,” Ms Campbell said.

“It’s really heartening to see, and we’re having a fantastic response.”

Tune in to Storytime at facebook.com/waggalibrarystorytime

Storytime is posted twice weekly.

Families can also access Story Box Library through the Riverina Regional Library webpage. Story Box Library is an online space featuring talented Australian authors and writers narrating stories. Access is free to all library members.

Visit Story Box Library at rrl.nsw.gov.au/elibrary-for-kids

Not a member? Join online at waggalibrary.com.au/about-your-library/you-can-still-join-the-library!