• Inconsistent storytime quality and practices across the library system, resulting in varying experiences for children and families.

• Limited access to formal storytime training for staff new to storytime delivery, as well as opportunities for experienced staff to strengthen and expand their skills.

• A need for a more intentional approach to storytime planning that incorporates a parent-competency framework, helping staff engage caregivers as active participants in their children’s early learning and development.

• A need to build staff confidence and consistency by providing practical, evidence-based strategies that can be applied across a variety of storytime settings and audiences.

Structure and implementation:

• A blended, step-by-step training model combining early-literacy video modules, guided readings, virtual learning sessions, librarian observation, and a hands-on in-person workshop.

• Participants apply new skills in real storytime settings throughout the training, connecting research and theory directly to practice.

Key partners:

• Youth Services librarians and staff who deliver storytime
• Youth Services staff who inform curriculum and content

Goals:

• Establish consistent, high-quality storytime practices systemwide
• Strengthen staff skills, confidence, and intentionality
• Integrate parent and caregiver engagement into storytime planning and delivery

What makes it unique:

• Combines evidence-based early-literacy strategies with observation, practice, and feedback.

• Places parent/caregiver competencies at the center of storytime design.

• Creates a structured, scalable training model that can be adapted by other libraries.

Indicators of success:

• Greater consistency in storytime structure, quality, and early-literacy practices across branches

• Increased staff confidence, knowledge, and ability to intentionally incorporate early-literacy and parent/caregiver engagement strategies

• Increased parent/caregiver participation and engagement during storytimes

Data metrics:

• Number and percentage of participants completing all Storytime Academy components

• Pre- and post-training surveys measuring changes in staff knowledge, skills, and confidence

• Observation and feedback data documenting changes in storytime practices

• Storytime attendance and caregiver engagement trends

Partnerships and feedback:

• Strengthened collaboration among Youth Services librarians and branch staff

• Staff feedback has highlighted the value of hands-on practice, observation, and practical strategies that can be immediately applied to storytime delivery