Storytime fun at London Libraries

I dedicated my time during the last half-term holiday to London Libraries!

Save our Libraries banner hanging over the entrance of a library image

Over 10% of UK libraries are currently under threat. Library closures and cutbacks are a serious problem. More than 400 libraries have closed in Britain in the last five years due to budget cuts, technology, and the internet age. Due to this, I decided to give back to the community and help to save our libraries.

I have taken part in many community events in the past, but have only once visited a library with my Storytime.

I often pop into libraries to leave flyers for parents, so I have already been to many libraries several times. I was chatting to a group of parents at one of the libraries. They asked me about Music Audio Stories and I explained that I visit lots of schools and nurseries with my audiobooks doing Storytime. Then I had that light bulb moment! I found a way I could help!

I managed to get all of the library events listed on many websites from Netmums and West London Mum to What's on London, All in London, The List Magazine, and others. It was exciting to see our name in their listings as the hosts.

My first Storytime was at Swiss Cottage Library on Tuesday 31st May. It was not what I was expecting! That day it was raining very heavily. I don't know why but I thought the rain would put people off from coming so I had prepared myself for a small group. I was wrong!

When I turned up at 2.30 pm to set up, it was buzzing in the library and around 40 children took part. My extensive experience means, I've got these kinds of numbers covered and I had their attention from the get-go. I was in the zone. The Storytelling zone! It was brilliant and both the children and their parents enjoyed the session.

My second Storytime was at West Hampstead Library on Thursday 2nd June in the morning. They had kindly put my poster up outside on their noticeboard which was great for promoting the event.

I arrived early and met some of the parents queuing up outside. They were excited about hearing my story and I couldn't wait to get started. My Storytime took place in their children's library which is a great space for this kind of activity.

I set up a small table and gathered everyone into a circle to begin. The group of children at this library was younger than the group I had at Swiss Cottage but the great thing about my Storytime is that it can be adapted to suit the age range of any group It was a lovely group of children and parents and they enjoyed my activities.

My final visit for the week was to Acton Town Hall Library on Friday 3rd June. When this library first opened, they invited me to take part in their Launch Day and I did Storytime there for the first time. It was lovely to be back again.

The children enjoyed listening to my audiobook Litter Bugs. I chose this story because it has been one of the most popular stories in schools and nurseries. It's a great way to teach an excellent lesson in a fun and simple way. Plus they love throwing the "rubbish" in the bin during The Bug Club's song at the end!

Anna-Christina from Music Audio Stories doing Story Time with the children at West Hampstead Library image

I have greatly enjoyed my Storytimes with the children. I would like to thank all of the libraries I have visited. Due to the success of my Storytime and great feedback from the parents, I have been invited back! I'm pleased to say I will be visiting these libraries again, later on in the year, with another one of my Music Audio Stories.

Time to switch gears and focus on writing and creating more audiobooks!

Anna-Christina

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Posted on: 8th June, 2016 in: Storytime

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Storytime fun at London Libraries

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