Deliver Bookstart Storytime

Bookstart Storytime is designed to be flexible for your library and the families who visit. Our top tips for a great session include: 

• Make families feel at ease. Set expectations early. For example, make sure that parents and carers know it’s fine if their children aren’t sitting still throughout. 
• Consider the age range of the children at the session. If you have a lot of younger children attending, try including more rhymes and repetition. 
• Mix it up. Try to include a combination of interactive rhymes, stories and activities to keep the energy levels up. 
• Don’t be afraid to repeat. Repetition of rhymes and stories is a great way to give children the opportunity to join in and learn new words and phrases. 
• Be yourself. Remember that there is no right way to share a story and if you are enjoying yourself the children will too. 

Bookstart Storytime is a great way to encourage new families to visit the library. Here are some ways you could advertise your Storytime session. 

• Use Bookstart Storytime posters to advertise your activities. Great places to display these include local supermarkets, parks and community centres. 
• Use social media to get the word out! As well as posting through your own social media channels you could also try sharing in relevant local community groups on Facebook. 
• Collaborating with community groups that have already built trust with families can really boost engagement with Bookstart Storytime sessions. Some libraries have found success in reaching out to local nurseries, children’s centres, local baby and toddler groups, and more. 

Laura Baker reads the Little Tiger Press book, All the Wonderful Ways to Move:

Diana Murray reads the Boxer Books book, Calling All Bears:

Tim Bugbird reads the Make Believe Ideas book, Squish:

Emily Gravett reads the Two Hoots book, Bear’s Nap:

Matt Hunt reads the Nosy Crow book, How to Find a Yeti:

The winner of the Storytime Prize is voted for by all libraries taking part in Bookstart Storytime. Starting in early 2027, libraries will be emailed access to complete a voting form, we can’t wait to hear what you think!