5 Tips to link your collection to First 5 Forever Storytime

Sasha Maddison from Sunshine Coast Libraries shares her top tips for linking library collections to your First 5 Forever programs

1. Prepare your storytime content

2. Know your collection

3. Curate a selection of linking material

Choose an aspect from your story then select some JNF around that subject. Keep in mind, it does not have to be a theme. For example if you had a river in your story you could select JNF about waterways, the ocean, fish/sea creatures, etc. This method of linking is a really simple and effective way of introducing borrowers to the collection. By having a small selection available, they will not be overwhelmed by choice and the children are more inclined to utilise the selection you’ve curated, because you’ve generated interest during your story session. This linking technique is proven to be effective as over the past 12 months the JNF loans across Sunshine Coast Libraries have increased by nearly 10,000.

4. Engage with your community

5. Discomfort is NORMAL …

Ultimately, you are the link to the library service and that’s the most important thing.