PT Library goes all-in on storytelling for youth online

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With little ones stuck at home due to state restrictions, the Port Townsend Public Library has loaded its schedule with online programming to keep kids entertained and their brains engaged.

Hilary Verheggen, manager of the library’s youth services, conducts online story times every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. with songs, rhymes and books, while a host of local authors have read their own books as bedtime stories for all ages every Monday at 7 p.m.

Michael Galligan read “My Name Isn’t Oof! Warren the Warbler Takes Flight” on April 27, while Dana Sullivan, creator of “Dead Max Comix,” read to kids on May 4.

“Michael Galligan’s bedtime story was wonderful,” Verheggen said. “He read to an audience of 18. He and other authors have also offered to share fun materials, like coloring sheets, that have been added to the library’s website.”

Check ptpubliclibrary.org/library/page/online-programming for these materials.

As for Sullivan, Verheggen said those who missed their previous opportunity to see him can still catch him when he leads a “doodle workshop” online, on May 14 at 2 p.m., as part of the library’s “Creative Kids Cafe” for ages 6 to 11 on Thursdays.

Faith Pray led kids in creating their own “story jar,” using paper and pencils, during the April 30 Creative Kids Cafe, while the Marine Science Center will lead children on a virtual tour of its aquarium on May 7 at 2 p.m., during which they can create their own invertebrates, again using paper and crayons, colored pencils and markers.

And the library’s upcoming bedtime stories with local authors will showcase Avril Van der Merwe, author of “How Cheetah Got His Tears,” on May 11; Barbara Herkert, author of “A Boy, a Mouse, and a Spider—The Story of E. B. White,” on May 18; Richard Jesse Watson, illustrator of “Tom Thumb,” on May 25; and Toni Yuly, author of “Early Bird,” on June 1.

Verheggen praised the authors for their contributions beyond reading, pointing out that Pray also designed the library’s 2020 summer reading program T-shirt, while Sullivan connected Verheggen to his children’s book critique group, “Kiddie Litters.”

“When I reached out, every single author was so gracious and happy to be a part of keeping the children in our community connected to literacy and the library,” Verheggen said. “I was so humbled by their incredible support.”

Verheggen said the library is building attendance for its morning storytimes, as well as its Thursday programs for elementary students.

“Much of the publicity for our children’s programs came from word-of-mouth, as well as in-house flyers and promotion, so we’re trying to find the best ways to spread the word about our offerings,” said Verheggen, who added the library is offering a “Tech Thursday” program with public and technical services librarian Keith Darrock at 3 p.m. each week.

Library director Melody has been hosting book clubs via Zoom as well, and Verheggen emphasized that “all of this is made possible by our wonderful Friends of the Port Townsend Library, who continue to encourage and support online programming, and all the work the library does.”

Verheggen has learned a number of new technology skills, and now can employ digital resources such as “Kanopy Movies for Kids,” which have animated “an incredible selection” of children’s picture books, as well as Storyline Online, which has actors reading picture books.

“This has been a really nice way to highlight tools and resources that families have access to digitally,” Verheggen said. “We’re all struggling to find a balance in screen time, so we’re working to provide short and meaningful programs that allow people to engage, and not just tune in.”

Verheggen said online platforms make it more challenging to encourage participation in storytime programs, but the library is finding “creative ways to ask questions, and let kids reflect and answer.”

Currently, the library is converting its summer reading program into an entirely virtual format.

“We will have online programs and ways for people of all ages to engage online and offline,” Verheggen said. “This year our CLEO (Cooperative Libraries of the Eastern Olympics) will collaborate, even more than in years past, and the Port Townsend and Jefferson County libraries will be teaming up to present a wide range of programs for all ages.”

Verheggen hopes to furnish families with resources and encouragement.

“We’re all going through a difficult time, and transition can be hard for all of us, our little ones included,” Verheggen said. “Every child, and every human, will find different ways to cope and support one another. It’s important to remember that kiddos have often not learned how to express what they are feeling, and because of that, they need even more love, support and communication. We can all help build each other up and come together as a community during this difficult situation.”

The Port Townsend Public Library’s website is ptpubliclibrary.org.