KFPL to launch favourite children’s programming online
A team of programmers from Kingston Frontenac Public Library branches across the city are busy preparing videos to share with children and families who are safe at home during this pandemic.
“We’re really excited about this new initiative,” said Kim Sutherland-Mills, Manager of Programming and Outreach at Kingston Frontenac Public Library. “We welcome thousands of children into our programs each year, helping parents introduce their children to early literacy skills. Our staff have been missing our littlest library patrons, and we hope families will enjoy seeing us in our homes — from their homes!”
Programs such as Baby & Me, where staff share rhymes, songs, tickle games and lap bounces that introduce babies to the rhythm of language, and Meredith’s Maker Lab (she’ll have lots of ideas for crafting and creating using materials families will find around their house) will be shared, as well as longer video-recorded storytimes, called Storytime Express, that will compile segments recorded by several different programmers.
KFPL has their own YouTube channel, where the public programming will be available. Storytime Express will consist of private YouTube videos, accessible only through the link that library patrons will receive digitally when they register through the website.
Starting Monday, Apr. 20, 2020, registrants will find emails landing in their inbox inviting them to watch the private Storytime Express YouTube videos created by the KFPL team, as well as links to the other public videos on their YouTube channel.
Register for this online programming at https://calendar.kfpl.ca/event/4263563.
“Those who register will be emailed a link that they can watch any time, or as many times, as they want,” Sutherland-Mills continued. “In fact, we recommend going back and repeating fingerplays and rhymes to help children learn them. Kids love repetition — as any parent who has read the same bedtime story over and over knows.”
With KFPL library branches closed until further notice, online programming is a welcome distraction for the Kingston community. Library staff ask you to continue to keep all items you may have on loan. Due dates have been extended and no fines will be charged.
For those who aren’t aware, KFPL is also offering cloudLibrary, a program that allows library users to download audio books and e-books. You can find out more about that in the video below, and there is a video walking you through how to use it step-by-step on KFPL’s YouTube channel.
KFPL regrets they cannot answer the phones at the library at this time, but staff remain available to assist you by email. Please submit your questions through the Contact Us page, or through Facebook or Twitter.
Jessica is a busy working mom who enjoys writing, editing, and photography. She loves raising her family here in Kingston and tries hard to enjoy all Kingston has to offer. You can find more of her writing on her blog A Modern Mom’s Life, and see what she gets up to with her family on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!