Over 10% of UK libraries are currently under threat. Library closures and cutbacks are a serious problem.
I have built up good relationships with London Libraries and I am often invited to do Storytime with the children in the holidays. It's a pleasure for me to visit libraries. 'Storytime with Anna-Christina' has become popular and sometimes parents queue up outside the libraries to take part in my fun sessions! For my first visit to a library, I use my interactive audiobook 'Billy Joins the Circus', as it is popular with nursery and preschool groups and great for encouraging everyone to get involved.
Listening
My Storytime begins with listening to a Music Audio Story. Children always enjoy the story and sit still whilst listening. I keep them engaged by being animated and doing moves and gestures to keep them focused. There are a lot of details in my music audiobooks to hear. For very young children, the music keeps their attention.
Listening to Billy Joins the Circus at West Hampstead Library.
Drawing
After we have talked about what we have heard in the story, I encourage the children to create their own drawings. For this particular story, I print out templates with the 'Big Top' in the middle of the page. This way, I can encourage older children to practice their colouring skills, as well as teach them more about "the big tent".
Drawing with the children at Swiss Cottage Library.
Drama
Billy Joins the Circus is a great music audiobook for encouraging children to sing and dance. It's a wonderfully energetic story with a strong message that dreams can come true. The catchy song with instructions on movements such as clapping your hands, touching your toes, spinning around and jumping up and down is repeated three times enabling children to learn the song and the moves as they listen. Children absolutely love this and parents join in too! 
Singing and dancing with the children at Swiss Cottage Library.
Teaching
During my Storytime, I teach children specific values that certain music audiobooks cover, as well as life lessons. Library storytelling is great because it helps to promote social interaction and enables a child to develop self-confidence in a different environment. I love doing Storytime with Anna Christina with the children at libraries. I do many sessions throughout the year at schools and nurseries but it's lovely to do Storytime with parents involved, as I also love to see how they react to my audiobooks. I'm pleased to see they are as popular with parents as they are with children. This makes me feel very happy! 
I am passionate about libraries and being part of family communities and therefore I offer my unique sessions to the public for free!
Follow me on Twitter @StorytimewithAC, keep an eye out for 'Storytime with Anna-Christina' library events and join me for one of my fun interactive musical Storytimes!
Helping to change the world one smile at a time!
Anna-Christina
Links
Story Time | Stories From Story Time | Playful Learning | Making learning easy and fun | Homeschooling | The List | Eventbrite | allevent.in | WhatsOnLondon | All In London
