Every Child Ready to Restory

A New Perspective on Early Literacy in Public Library Storytime Programs

Abstract

Children’s library programming is often the highlight of many public library offerings. Summer Reading programs and storytime programs often attract significant numbers of children and their caregivers. Storytime, in particular, has a long history in public library services to youth, and while there have been changes in technology and attention to inclusive programs, there have not been as many changes to the format of storytime. The rhymes, songs, and sometimes even the books read remain strikingly familiar. Youth librarians often highlight how the program supports early childhood literacy for school readiness. However, adopting a broader perspective of literacies can reimagine storytime programs and root them in community practices, thus restorying storytime and offering young children opportunities of their own to story and restory their growing world.