Storytime Live
Dallas Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
To provide families access to educational and cultural sites during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dallas Public Library staff livestreamed storytimes from around the city of Dallas. For families that did not feel comfortable being in public, the library offered a virtual look into a variety of local institutions and a storytime themed to the setting.
Challenge/Opportunity
Many museums, events and education sites were forced to close to the public or offer limited access during COVID-19. Families may have felt unsafe visiting locations that were open. Storytime Live provided an opportunity to visit and learn about tourist sites around Dallas without leaving home. Library staff partnered with the hosting location to teach viewers about the site and offer education in their specialty. This also offered opportunities for experiences that in typical times might be too far away or too expensive.
Key Elements of Innovation
The pandemic reduced the library’s ability to provide outreach and limited families’ access to informal learning institutions and entertainment. Storytime Live was a chance for the library to partner with other organizations who were similarly struggling to reach families due to limited or unavailable services.
Partnerships included:
- Dallas Zoo
- The State Fair of Texas
- Dallas Police Department
- Dallas Fire Department
- Dallas Heritage Village
- Nasher Sculpture Center
- Dallas Museum of Art
- McKinney Ave Trolley
Achieved Outcomes
Between October 2020 and June 2021, over 600 people tuned in across 18 Storytime Live events. Beyond patron enjoyment, this also meant the library was able to form partnerships with more than 18 different community institutions that could lead to future collaborations. As an example, Dallas Public Library has been able work with the Nasher Sculpture Center on sensory kits and sensory-friendly programs and a school-aged program called Art with Friends.
