LEICESTER Libraries are offering free, live online storytelling sessions to mark National Storytelling Week (30 Jan-6 Feb).
Following on from the success of their online storytelling throughout the lockdown last year, the city council’s libraries service is now trying a new way of providing stories for families – using the Zoom online meeting app.
Each session will feature a story for younger children (pre-school and reception age) followed by interactive chat. There will then be a story for older, school-age children, before another chance to chat with the storyteller.
The sessions will run on Saturday 30th January from 11-11.30am, Tuesday 2nd February from 4.30-5pm, Thursday 4th February from 4.30-5pm and Saturday 6th February from 11-11.30am.
To book, email libraries-childrens-team@leicester.gov.uk. A Zoom link will be sent out an hour before each session.
Cllr Kirk Master, assistant city mayor for neighbourhoods, said: “This is a great way to mark National Storytelling Week. We know lots of families are missing visiting our libraries for storytelling and a lot are coping with the pressures of home-schooling. These sessions are a chance for children to hear some of their favourite stories, talk to the storyteller and feel that they are participating in something with others. It’s a great opportunity.”
The sessions will only be available live, but the stories told will either already be available online on the city council’s YouTube channel, or will be recorded on there in the future, so there will be a chance for everyone to catch up.
They are totally free and you don’t even have to be a library member to take part – although joining the library means access to a wide range of online books and resources through the Libraries from Home project.
To find out more, visit www.leicester.gov.uk/libraries
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