BookTrust Storytime resources

Here are some ideas and resources to help bring BookTrust Storytime to life.

Using your BookTrust Storytime resources

This year, every library will receive our shortlisted books along with some digital resources. Libraries taking part in our enhanced offer will have access to additional physical resources - here are some ideas if you have access to those...

Certificate

Available to everyone here

It's up to you when you hand out certificates to children and families - maybe it could be for the first time they visit a session, for checking a book out of the library or for voting for their favourite shortlisted story.

But the certificate is also a great incentive for families to keep returning to the library for each session - encourage parents and carers to keep coming back so they can receive their certificate after they've enjoyed all six books.

Activity sheets

Scroll down to find them

Each of our BookTrust Storytime shortlisted books has an activity sheet to match. Why not encourage families to stick around when the story is over to have a go?

You could create packs of the activity sheets to be taken home, allowing other members of the family to feel involved with BookTrust Storytime. Or if a family checks out one of the books, you could give them the activity sheets at the same time.

Memory maker

Encourage families to take a photo with your BookTrust Storytime memory maker! It's a great way to make their first visit to the library feel like a special event and something to celebrate and remember.

They may also wish to share their photographs on social media, both celebrating their child's visit to the library and boosting promotion of your BookTrust Storytime sessions.

Make sure all your library staff are aware of your social media handles in case families would like to tag you in (and like and comment on them if they do!) Why not include your social media details on a poster by the memory maker or in a handout and encourage visitors to follow you?

BookTrust Storytime sticker book

Available online here

The BookTrust Storytime sticker book is another great way to encourage families to make return visits to the library.

It's completely up to you how you use the stickers. Maybe you could reward children for enjoying a storytime session, completing an activity sheet or checking out a book. For some families the excitement of collecting more stickers every time they come to the library could encourage repeat visits.

Owl bookends

Available online here

Our owl bookends are fantastic for encouraging children to explore different parts of the children's section in your library!

Challenge them to find all of the owls - if children are visiting the library for the first time or have lots of energy to burn, you could arrange a fun scavenger hunt!