I've been leading storytime in the library for 7 months now (along with Miss Annabelle, who alternates Wednesdays with me). I had some big shoes to fill following Miss Dona, who led storytime for over 10 years and was a celebrity among the preschoolers on base. To say I was a little nervous at the beginning is probably an understatement.
I'm no stranger to reading and speaking in front of groups. Before becoming a librarian, I taught college dramatic literature courses and high school English classes. I confess that 9th graders were the youngest crowd I dealt with until last September. Sure, I could act goofy (as my co-workers can attest from my pandemic-time Morning Boogies), but could I keep the attention of 2- to 5-year olds?
After 7 months we've been having large numbers at storytime--18 to 34 kids on average, along with their adults. I'm guessing they must enjoy the stories, the dancing, the crafts, and the other activities (that, or everyone really needs to get out of the house after the pandemic). I have to say that it's great to see all the enthusiastic, smiling little faces!
If you are one of my storytime attendees, I thank you for coming and I thank you for your patience. I'm learning as I go along and things may not always run perfectly. Remembering names has never been my strong suit, so forgive me if it takes me a while to learn everyone's name (please don't be offended if I ask several times). And if you have some book requests or ideas for crafts, I'm all ears. Let's have fun reading, dancing, and crafting together!
Wishing lots of good reading to the young (and young at heart) readers from the perch.
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