Kevin Smith just pointed me to Wake County Public Libraries‘ series of online storytime videos. Wake County made them to support their local Every Child Ready to Read initiative.
They’re nicely done – go watch them! Here’s the link to their Youtube Playlist for all the videos. The video embedded in this post is an animated sing-along song video … and now that song is going to be stuck in my head the rest of the day. Can anyone say “earworm?”
And something to think about – we’re making digital branches. How are your YA/Kids/teens/etc services represented on your library’s digital branch? Currently, my library’s kiddo population is represented, but it’s sorta spotty (and we have an emerging plan to fix that – our Teen and Tween pages are the start of that). How about you? Some things to think about:
- Are your webpages focused on kids? Or is it really just for parents?
- Are your in-house activities mirrored online, like Wake County’s storytime videos? Or craft time? etc?
- Games, fun stuff, goofy interesting facts? Or … homework help? Probably need both.
- Older kids (think 13 and up) – social media? That the kids actually use?
- Staff who know how to do all the above activities, or a way to train them?
How about you? What cook stuff for kids and teens does your library do on their digital branch? I’d love for you to share!