Books, Bubbles & Belonging: How to Make Story Time Unforgettable by Creating Engaging, Inclusive Library Story Times Targeted Toward Preschool to 1st Grade but Fun for the Whole Family!

Bring the magic of Story Time to life! In this engaging session, participants will learn how to create dynamic story times that capture the imagination of preschoolers through 1st graders—while keeping families and older siblings engaged, too. Explore how to build a program that goes beyond reading books by incorporating interactive elements like music, movement, games, and even bubbles! The heart of every Story Time is connection—making children feel seen, heard, and valued. You’ll leave this session with practical strategies for: -Fostering belonging in your Story time space -Promoting early literacy skills in fun, accessible ways -Reinforcing positive library behaviors and etiquette -Using music and movement to support literacy development -Choosing books that work for multi-age groups -Handling challenges with grace and flexibility -Don't forget the craft! Whether you’re a seasoned Story Time pro or just getting started, this session will spark ideas, inspire confidence, and remind you why Story Time is one of the most powerful tools we have for building readers—and community.

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Ms. Jasmine works for the Pinal County Library District, where she connects with library patrons through community outreach, developing new programs, and bringing engaging Story Times to multiple libraries across Pinal County. She began her library career in 2018 at the Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu, where she discovered her passion for children’s programming and Story Time. In 2021, she continued her journey at the Robert C. McEwen Library in Fort Drum, NY, where she overseen children’s programming, which included both in-person and online (LIVE) Story Times. Ms. Jasmine is dedicated to making every child feel seen, heard, and excited about reading and visiting their local library!