Enhanced Storytimes
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Innovation Synopsis
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library provides opportunities for parents and caregivers to learn early literacy and foundational tips for learning during all storytimes for children. Prior to the storytime, during and/or after reading stories for children, the storyteller shares tips aligned with NC Foundations for Early Literacy Standards and Active Read.
Challenge/Opportunity
Literacy rates in Mecklenburg County continue to decline; adding in tips during Storytime allows parents to learn from repetition hearing new information, while seeing new practices modeled in action during traditional Storytimes.
Key Elements of Innovation
Enhanced Storytimes began in FY 2019 as a way to spread literacy best practices throughout Storytimes. Active Reading Storytimes were added in FY 2020 virtually. The library believes that by enhancing our regular storytimes, our community is gaining valuable parent education.
Achieved Outcomes
1. Improve Literacy Rates in Children in Mecklenburg County over a period of five years. 2. Library viewed as an educational and essential resource in our community.