What is storytime good for and what makes storytime good? A survey of public library directors

Abstract

This article reports on the findings from a nationwide survey designed to investigate the perceptions of public library directors with regard to storytime programs. The results indicate that public library directors identify a number of reasons why storytime is important; prime among those are for encouraging children’s enjoyment of books, promoting children’s early literacy skills, and attracting patrons who might otherwise not participate in library services. The findings suggest that public library directors do not fully recognize how storytime programs might contribute to school readiness. Further, differences in library inputs to support storytime point to disparities based on library size. The implications for practice, education, and research are discussed.