Outreach Storytime Template

Here's a simple template I like to use for outreach. Keep in mind, there's no single "right" way to do storytime during outreach, so I really welcome any suggestions or feedback about what you do in your outreach activities!

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• Introduce yourself/simple guidelines for kids

• It is important to share your name with the students. They will get to know you and will have questions and things to share with you.

• I really enjoy getting to know the teachers and students. Learning everyone's names makes it feel more personal and not just "hey you kid!" if that makes sense.

• Simple guidelines really matter. They help set the tone for storytime. Most little ones will have some basic classroom manners, but this is a great way to let them know what you expect and that everyone is there to have fun! Here are some sample of guidelines.

• We must sit criss cross applesauce so that our friends can see the story.

• Raise your hand if you have questions or need to talk to a teacher.

• Feel free to help Ms. Meagan sing a song!

• Hello Song: We Clap and Sing Hello (Jbrary)
• It's a great way to open and help them get into storytime routine. 

• Book 

• Felt board Story/Activity

• Book

• Action Song
• My go to song is icky sticky bubble gum or head, shoulders, knees, and toes.

• Instruments/Props
• This part is optional for an outreach storytime. If you're not comfortable keeping track of props or instruments. Additionally, if you do not have enough time to clean the items up you're welcome to skip this part.
• Clean Up Song
• Close storytime

• Craft or Activity

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This is my simple outline for outreach. Again, please feel free to share yours!

School Age Program: Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Level of Difficulty: Medium

*I was fortunate to receive assistance from a volunteer in managing the program. It would have been more challenging to handle everything independently. Authenticity is essential to the success of this program, so having someone with the necessary expertise to support its execution is highly valuable.

Please feel free to share any tips or best practices for organizing a successful Día de Muertos celebration.

Duration of Program: 1 hour to 1 hour and 1/2

Cost Breakdown: (this will vary) 

Free Items

Sugar Skulls (donated to us, but you can make them too! I will link the recipe below)

Paid Items

Wilton White Royal Icing 14 oz from Walmart- $7.76

Food Coloring from Walmart - $3.76

Great Value Zip Top Bags 100ct from Walmart -$1.98

Book for Program: I recommend providing books in Spanish, English, and bilingual editions for those who are not fluent in Spanish.

Prep: Have sugar skulls ready. Here is a link to make the sugar skulls.

Sugar Skull Recipe by Kate Ramos

Sugar Skull Recipe by Dora's Table

I recommend beginning preparations the day before or very early in the morning. The icing needs sufficient time to cool. You can refrigerate it overnight or freeze it in the morning. Warming the icing slightly with your hands will make it easier to work with during decorating. Place the icing and food coloring into the piping bag and blend the colors into the icing. Aim to position the icing into one corner of the bag. When you're ready to use the icing, simply cut the tip of the bag.

Icing Resources

Art is Fun - Royal Icing

Crafty Chica

Outcomes: 

This is just my experience with the program. I have organized Day of the Dead events for a couple of years. In 2024 (I believe it was that year), we hosted a Day of the Dead Celebration at the library. On the same evening, another branch held their Halloween Party. Historically, Halloween programs tend to be the most attended events in the community, even more so than Summer Reading programs. I was concerned that the nearby Halloween Party might impact attendance at our event. However, I was pleased to see that our program was well attended, enjoyable, and that families expressed appreciation for the Day of the Dead celebration. One grandmother shared her traditions and mentioned how exciting it was to share them with her grandchildren.

Photo Credit: Lake County Public Library's Facebook page and Hobart Jo Facebook page.

Resource Spotlight: Education.com and Teachers Pay Teachers

Today's featured resources are Education.com and Teachers Pay Teachers. I discovered these tools through my branch manager. We often use coloring pages in the library, either displayed around the space or as a quiet activity between programs. Most items on Education.com are free; you can search for specific subjects and find printable coloring pages and worksheets. In the past, I’ve placed worksheets on our bilingual shelf to support language practice and on the children's reference desk for caregivers to take as needed.

Teachers Pay Teachers offers similar resources, curated by educators, including coloring pages and worksheets. Some items may require a purchase, but there are many free options available. I’ve found certain worksheets and activity guides particularly helpful for programming purposes!

Storytime: Ghosts

Welcome Message/Guidelines (See Guidelines Post)

Hello Song: We Clap and Sing Goodbye! (Jbrary)

Tune: The Farmer in the Dell

We clap and sing hello!

We clap and sing hello

with our friends at storytime!

We clap and sing hello!

Stretch/Action Song: Little Ghost (Adventures in Storytime)

Little ghost, little ghost flying through the air (fly ghost around)

Little ghost, little ghost tickling my hair! (hold ghost over head to tickle hair)

Little ghost, little ghost flying way down low (fly ghost close to floor)

Little ghost, little ghost tickling my toes! (hold ghost over toes)

Little ghost, little ghost sit down please! (sit down)

Book 1: The Spooky Wheels on the Bus by J. Elizabeth Mills; Illustrator Ben Mantle

Felt Story/Activity: 5 Friendly Ghost (Found on Pinterest: Jamie White 2017)

5 friendly ghosts flying in the night

One does a silly dance then hides out of sight.

Now there is 4 friendly ghosts flying in the night

one does a silly dance then hides out of sight. (repeat)

No friendly ghosts flying in the night

all the friendly ghosts are hiding out of sight.

Book 2: The Scariest Book Ever by Bob Shea

Finger Play: 1 Little, 2 Little, 3 Little Ghost

1 little, 2 little, 3 little ghosts,

4 little, 5 little, 6 little ghosts,

7 little, 8 little, 9 little ghosts,

10 ghosts screaming boo, BOO!

Book 3 (optional): Hardly Haunted by Jessie Sima

Action Song: If You're A Ghost and You Know It (Story Book Stephanie)

Tune: If You're Happy and You Know It

If you're ghost and you know it say BOO!

If you're a ghost and you know it say BOO!

If you're a ghost and you know it and you really want to show it

If you're a ghost and you know it say BOO!

Instruments/Props

Today, we will be using scarves!

Ghost Fly In (Storytime ABC's)

*Note: Pinch scarf into ghost shape and follow directives

The ghosts fly in

The ghosts fly out

The ghosts are certainly all about!

The Ghosts fly high

then dive low

They're always spooky

Wherever they go!

The ghost fly around 

all dressed in white

Did you ever see

such a spooky sight?

The More We Boo Together (Found on LIBRIONYIAN; Credit Kings County Library System)

Tune: The More We Get Together

The more we boo together, together, together

The more we boo together the scarier we'll be!

'Cause my boo plus your boo will make the goblins go boo-hoo!

The more we get together the scarier we'll be!

Clean Up Song

Clean up, clean up,

everybody, everywhere. 

Clean up, clean up,

everybody do your share.

End Activity: Parachute or Halloween Parade!

Goodbye Song: We Goodbye Like This (Jbrary)

Tune: The Farmer in the Dell

We clap goodbye like this...(clap)

We clap goodbye like this.. (clap)

with our friends at storytime.

We clap goodbye like this...(clap)

Craft Time!

Book Photo Credit: Goodreads.com

Storytime: Bats

Welcome Message/Guidelines (See Guidelines Post)
Hello Song: We Clap and Sing Hello (Jbrary)
We clap and sing hello,
We clap and sing hello,
with our friends at storytime.
We clap and sing hello!

Stretch/Action Song: 1, 2 Bats (Found on Door 2 Door Librarian; Credited Bay Views ACL)
Tune: 1, 2 Buckle my Shoe; I added motions to it for a stretch or to get the sillies out.
1, 2 bats says boo! (spread hands and fingers out)
3, 4 see bats soar (stretch arms out)
5, 6 bats do tricks (spin)
7, 8 bats fly straight (move forward)
9, 10 bats fly to their cave again! (move back)

Book 1: Trick or Treat, Bugs to Eat by Tracy C. Gold

Felt Activity: 5 Little Bats (Storytime Shenanigans)
5 black bats ready to soar;
one stayed behind 
Now there is four.
Four black bats
Hiding in a tree;
One flew away
and left three
Three black bats
Wondering what to do;
One flew away,
Now there are two.
Two black bats
Hiding from the sun;
One flew away 
and then there was one.
One black bat
Hanging all alone;
It flew away
And then there were none.

Book 2: The Bat Books by Charlotte Milner 

Finger Play: Two Little Friends (Ms. Emily Library)
Two little bats hanging in a cave
One named Dora, and one named Dave
Fly away Dora, Fly away Dave
Come back, Dora, come back, Dave!

Tune: Two Little Blackbirds; Focus on Bats lyrics

Instrument/Props
Today, we'll be using scarves!

Little Bat (Found on Door to Door Librarian; Credit to Library Palooza)
Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Flutter, flutter little bat
How I wonder where you're at.
Up above the midnight sky,
Peeking at me with yellow eyes.
Flutter, Flutter little bat,
How I wonder where you're at.

Clean Up Song
Clean up, clean up,
everybody, every where.
Clean up, clean up,
everbody do your share!

End Activity: Parachute!

Goodbye Song: We Clap Goodbye Like This (Jbrary)
We clap goodbye like this...
We clap goodbye like this...
with our friends at storytime,
We clap goodbye like this!

Craft time!

Book Photo Credit: Goodreads.com

School Age Program: Library Pen Pals (NaNoWriMo)

Level of Difficulty: Medium 
The hardest part is arranging who to write to and how to get the letters to the patrons.

Duration: 1 hour

Cost Break Down:
Non-paid/Free Items

Markers - Comes from a supplies fund at the library

Pens - Supplies

Coloring Sheets

Paid Items
Stationary Paper - $16.99 (100 piece; includes envelopes)

Shipping - (prices may vary) I want to note my branch manager handled this aspect because I was running into schedule issues.

Outcomes:

Due to staffing changes at the time, I was responsible for presenting Homeschool Hangout independently for a few months. While this was generally manageable, the program served a wide age range, from kindergarten through 17 years old, which made it challenging to find activities suitable for all participants. To incorporate inspiration from my workplace, I drew on the library I worked for in Hobart, a town with that name in the United States. Interestingly, there are several Hobarts across the country. 

To expand the program further, I reached out to the public library in Hobart, Australia, to inquire about the possibility of establishing a pen pal exchange, hoping they would agree. Fortunately, they accepted. 

Please note that organizing this program was quite involved. I had to gather supplies for letter writing, coordinate the mailing process, and develop a system for distributing the letters to participants. It was a lengthy process, but ultimately, everyone received a personalized reply from their Australian counterparts, which was very rewarding. 

Overall, this was a meaningful initiative that fostered international connections. You could adapt similar programs on a smaller scale, such as branch-based pen pals or sending letters to children's hospitals. I strongly believe in encouraging more writing opportunities in our daily routines.

Pro-Tip: Please ensure that you collect contact information from all participants. Unfortunately, some children may attend a program but not return, so it's important to confirm they receive any correspondence or follow-up materials.

During the session, I presented a PowerPoint outlining appropriate behaviors and guidelines.

Encourage participants to share their names or nicknames, hobbies, favorite books, and interests.

Remind them not to share personal information such as their home addresses, social media handles, gaming tags, or phone numbers.

I provided information about Australia and suggested they share details about Indiana.

Lastly, for the kindergarteners, I asked them to send a coloring page representing Indiana.

Look for Recommendations: Music at Storytime!

I welcome your recommendations! I am seeking music on CD, YouTube, or songs from a Spotify playlist that you typically play during storytime.

One of my main challenges is incorporating CD music into storytime. I enjoy artists like Hap Palmer, Laurie Berkner, and others, but I’m not always confident or clear on how to smoothly introduce the music into the session. I’d appreciate hearing how you introduce music during storytime, which songs engage the children most easily, and any YouTube or other videos you use in this context. Do you play the songs twice?

Feel free to comment or email me at megatthelibrary@gmail.com (meg at the library). I can't wait for some musical recommendations!

Resource Spotlight: Sounds of Disneyland

A resource I want to share is Sounds of Disneyland. 

Some libraries may have strict policies regarding playing music during programs. Please be sure to review your library's policy on music during youth programming. At my library, we did not play sounds from Disneyland because we had guidelines in place about the types of music permitted. However, I highly recommend this site, which features music from Disneyland, including holiday Disney park music. Be sure to explore it!

I would like to mention that I intended to use this site for a Disney Trivia program, primarily to have background music that helps set the mood for all things Disney. There are Disney CDs that most libraries have on hand and circulate. I obtained a group of Disney CDs for references at my branch.

Storytime: Pumpkins

Welcome Message/Guidelines (See Guidelines Post)

Hello Song: We Clap and Sing Hello (Jbrary)

Tune: The Farmer in the Dell

We clap and sing hello, we clap and sing hello

With our friends at storytime.

We clap and sing hello!

Stretch/Action Song: Pumpkin, Pumpkin (Found on Storytime Katie; Credit Step by Step - Pumpkin Theme)

Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little start

Pumpkin, Pumpkin big and round (touch the ground)

How'd you get so big and round? (makes a circle)

Once you were a seed so small (pinch fingers together)

Now you're a great big ball! (make a big circle)

Pumpkin, pumpkin on the ground (touch the ground)

How'd you get so big and round!

Book 1: Ten Orange Pumpkins: A Counting Book by Stephen A. Savage

Felt Song/Activity: 5 Little Pumpkins

Read with the book: Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins by James Dean

Read the story and share the page. Then follow along on the felt board

Book 2: Pumpkin Trouble by Jan Thomas

Fingerplay/Action Song: 1 little, 2 little, 3 little pumpkins

1 little, 2 little, 3 little pumpkins

4 little, 5 little, 6 little pumpkins

7 little, 8 little, 9 little pumpkins

at the pumpkin patch!

Book 3 (optional): Plumply, Dumply Pumpkin by Mary Serfozo, Illustrated by Valeria Petrone

Instruments/Props

Today, we will use shakers!

Let's Walk Around the Pumpkin (Musically Minded)

Tune: The More We Get Together

Let's walk around the pumpkin, the pumpkin, the pumpkin

Let's walk around the pumpkin and the wall fall down. (have kids sit down)

(March around, stomp around, and so on)

Pumpkin Seeds (words by me; Jbrary for original song)

Tune of Everyone Can Shake, Shake, Shake 

Pumpkin seeds go shake, shake, shake

Pumpkin seeds go shake, shake, shake

Pumpkin sees go shake, shake, shake

and let's make a  STOP!

Clean Up Song

Clean up, clean up, 

Everybody, everywhere.

Clean up, clean up, 

Everybody, do your share!

Or for Pre-k Storytime 

Have storytime kids bring their shakers or scarves the by color of the shaker or scarf.

Prop: Pass the Pumpkin (Musically Minded)

Pass the pumpkin all around.

List to the spooky sound.

ooo, oo, ooo, oo

Will it stop on you? Boo!

You can follow the instructions that's on Musically Minded. What I did was just ask the storytime kid to do something like spin around, jump up and down, touch their nose, and so on.

Clean Up Song

End Activity: Parachute!

Goodbye Song: We Clap Goodbye Like This (Jbrary)

Tune: The Farmer in the Dell 

We clap goodbye like this, We clap goodbye like this (clap)

with our friends at storytime. We clap goodbye like this. (clap)

You can also wave or stomp

Craft Time!

Book Photo Credit: Goodreads.com

WTD #4: When You're Sick on Program/Storytime Day

Cold and flu season is upon us. From September through April, I typically expect to become ill at least two or more times during that period. Unfortunately, these illnesses often occur at the most inconvenient times. However, it's important that we prioritize our health and well-being when we are unwell. So, how do you handle storytime or programs when you're feeling sick?

WTD: What do to do when you're sick on a storytime day?

Most of my advice is based on being the sole children's staff member at my branch, which often increased the level of stress. In a well-staffed Children’s Department, there is usually someone available to step in for storytime. At my previous library, our children's department was made up of trainees eager to help. Typically, my branch manager would contact the children's department first to see if a substitute could be arranged. If a substitute is unavailable or if the notice is too short, the next step is to cancel or reschedule the program and notify the families immediately. To be extra prepared, consider having a "sick day" craft ready in case a family still visits. If a librarian is available, they can sit with the children in the programming room or in the children’s area to do the craft.

Here are the what not to do!

- Come in sick, do the program, and go home. Do not do that, it spreads germs and it's no good on your body.

- (if a sub does come): Do not sit up and wait to check on how the program went. Don't call your manager to find out.

- (if it is outreach): Have someone contact the school or organization ASAP! They will not know you're sick and unable to come in. They are usually very understanding!

- Please try not to feel bad about being sick and needing some time to recover. Most people understand and appreciate the need to take care of yourself.

I used to spend time worrying and making myself feel worse, thinking I had let everyone down and that I needed to reschedule at their convenience. I remember falling ill and then becoming sick again shortly afterward. At the time, I felt that others wouldn’t trust me and that I was unreliable. Please remember that you deserve understanding and compassion. While some people may express guilt or frustration about calling in sick, it’s important to prioritize your health. You do not want to risk spreading illness to your staff and families. Take the necessary time to rest, recover, stay hydrated with electrolytes, and heal. The story will continue once you’re feeling better!

What are some pro-tips on handling a sick day with a program?

School Age Program: Pumpkin Painting

Level of difficulty: Easy

Duration of program: 1 hour, but can be longer!

Cost Break Down: 
Free Items
Pumpkins - free via donation from local Pumpkin Patch
Newspaper - free via Library

Paid Items
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint - $36.99 (18 colors; 8.45 oz)
Retrainbre paint brush set on Amazon - $24.99 (48 count)
Halloween Stencils on Amazon - $9.99 (9 count reusable stencils)

Paper Plates (uncoated) for Paint on Amazon -$3.99 (100 count)

RACETOP Disposable Cups on Amazon -$12.99 (300 count, 3 oz)

Miscellaneous Snacks Sam's Club - Prices may vary

Outcomes:

This program makes for an excellent after-school activity. Halloween-themed snacks are provided for the kids to enjoy. When they are ready, they can start painting their pumpkins. Usually, no instruction is necessary. It is simply a space where they can be creative. A fun addition if they finish early is some Halloween trivia.

When I did this program, I was substituting for the teen librarian. I think tweens and teens can enjoy pumpkin painting. We did have a teen create something that could be considered controversal. It is okay to set some ground rules before painting.

Disclaimer: Photos are sourced from my previous library's Facebook page. For privacy reasons, none of my posts will include images of patrons. Please see the disclaimer page for more information.

Storytime: Friends and Family

Just to add, these two themes can be separate storytimes. I think I will separate them later, but since the storytime schedule may be affected due to the holiday, I usually just bring them together for November storytimes.

Welcome message/Guidelines (See guidelines post)

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello (Jbrary)

We clap and sing hello, we clap and sing hello

With our friends at storytime. We clap and sing hello!

Fingerplay: Two Little Friends (Found on Storytime Katie; Credit Kings County Library System)

Two little friends are better than one,

and three little friends are better than two,

and four little friends are better still

Just think! What four little friends can do!

Book 1: A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom

This book was actually given to me as a gift from my former library! So, I am excited to share this story!

Felt Story/Activity: Jack and Jill (Nursery Rhyme Fun)

Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water.

Jack fell down and broke his crown, and Jill came tumbling after.

Book 2: Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer

Fingerplay: My Family (Found on Storytime Katie; Credit Kididdles)

This is mama, kind and dear. (point to thumb)

This is papa, standing near. (point to pointer finger)

This is brother, see how tall. (point to middle finger)

This is sister, not so tall. (point to ring finger)

This is baby, sweet and small. (point to pinky)

This is family, one and all! (wiggles fingers)

Book 3 (optional): We Are Family by Patrica Hegarty

Instruments/props

Today, we will use scarves or shakers!

Skinnamarkink (Ms. Emily Library)

Skinnamarkinky-dinky-dink, Skinnamarkinky-doo,

I love you!

Skinnamarkinky-dinky-dink, Skinnamarkinky-doo,

I love you!

I love you in the morning, and in the afternoon.

I love you in the evening and underneath the moon.

Skinnamarkinky-dinky-dink, Skinnamarkinky-doo,

I love you!

Clean Up Song

Clean up, Clean up, everybody, everywhere.

Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share.

End Activity: Parachute!

Goodbye Song: We Clap Goodbye like This... (Jbrary)

We clap goodbye like this...

We clap goodbye like this...

with our friends at storytime. We clap goodbye like this.

I usually sing this goodbye with this version

We clap and sing goodbye, we clap and sing goodbye,

with our friends at storytime. We clap goodbye like this.

Craft Time!

Photo Credit: Book photos are from Goodreads.com.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Storytimes

During Thanksgiving time, I usually don't do an actual Thanksgiving theme storytime. For the community I served, I felt that there were more toddler friendly themes we can do instead of Thanksgiving as the theme (i.e. Pilgrims and Native Americans). Here are a few themes I do during Thanksgiving time.

Food

Family/Friends
Grateful & Thankful
Turkey

Winter (towards the end of November)

Is it wrong to do a Thanksgiving storytime? In my opinion, I just think that the holiday has a very checkered past. As librarians, it is our job to share information, but with respect to our patrons. Since we work with littles, it's okay to help families explore other topics like food and family. Which is essentially some good elements of Thanksgiving, but the history of Thanksgiving is controversial. I will share links from articles and resources at the bottom of the this post on this topic. Please see future storytime themes coming up!

Just to add, please explore the resources that these list resources have too! There is a plethora of information that we can stay informed. I will continue to update as I find more!

Resources

Article in the Smithsonian by Dennis Zotigh

Sound Vision 

National Museum of the American Indian

First Nations Development Institute 

American Indian Youth

Native Literature Resources

We Need Diverse Books

Indigenous Reads Rising

Heartdrum

WTD #3: Older Children at Storytime

I was browsing The Programming Librarian Facebook page the other day and came across a really good "What To Do" question. I’ll paraphrase the question, share my thoughts, and summarize some of the suggestions from other commenters. It’s a pretty interesting situation, so I’d love to hear your feedback!

WTD: When older children are being disruptive (like talking during) storytime? Ages of older children being 7 and older.

I used to have a family come into storytime that would bring their older siblings when they were on school breaks. I knew when to expect them during Spring, Fall, Winter, and Summer breaks. I would be super nervous because I felt that I needed to try to entertain them or make it fun for them. The thing is that the storytime was never intended for their age group, and their family was well aware of that. It did take the pressure off when I finally realized that I do not need to make this entertaining for the older kids, I just need to do what is best for the toddler age group. We offer many programs for the older kids too.

Now, before you go and ignore the older kids in storytime, it is important to remember they are still kids too, and storytime might not have been their first choice of fun. There are a couple of things I have done to attempt to maintain order when our storytime kids are a bit older.

1. Emphasize your storytime guidelines! I make a big deal out of storytime guidelines because they are important. They help set the expectations for your storytime.

2. Have the older kids help! They can help pass out props, instruments, craft supplies, and so on. They can also help model what good behavior looks like. "[Older kid name], would you like to show us how we get ready for story?" They love feeling recognized, and it adds a little layer of responsibility.

3. Have activities for them to do during storytime. I recommend coloring because it's not messy, and there are minimal questions or disruptions when it comes to coloring. I usually have the kids help me decorate the storytime room or the department with their coloring.

4. LAST RESORT: If it gets to a point that the older kids are too energized or getting out of hand, I would recommend speaking to the adult after storytime. I know it is a conversation that no one wants to have, but the other families deserve the opportunity to enjoy storytime. I have seen storytimes in the past when the older kids take over. So, I would leave it light but direct: "Thank you for joining us for storytime today! I appreciate that you take the time to visit us for a story. For your next visit, I recommend bringing a quiet activity for [xyz name]. Toddler storytime is for 2-3 year olds and their caregivers. I want to make sure that everyone is able to hear stories and do the activities."

I think, to be honest, number 4 is really my last resort, but I was reading the comments and found that the majority of the library staff would talk to the family directly.

Just to summarize, most people felt it was important to have a conversation with the adult, stick strictly to the age group, and set expectations at the beginning of storytime.

What would you do in this situation?

Original question can be found on The Programming Librarian Facebook page. 

Additional Note: OP (Original Poster) stated that the kids would get a call from their mom during storytime. I think they are being dropped off. Just an additional aside.