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Library Buddies and Virtual Story Time: Connecting with Kids

Setauket, NY – May 15, 2020 –

People of all ages miss the Library, but they can still connect with Emma Clark Library’s staff and get that community feel. Two new ways that the children’s department is doing just that is by bringing the children’s librarians into Three Village homes…virtually, of course!

First is the “Library Buddies” program, where kids can have personalized, one-on-one time with their favorite librarian. The children’s librarians will read stories to kids and chat with them. Kids can show the librarians their favorite toys, stuffed animals, knick knacks, pets, songs, what they’ve read at home…or they can even read to librarian! It’s similar to a Show-and-Tell session and is all about making the child feel comfortable and happy. Parents or caregivers may request for their child to speak virtually with one of the librarians in Emma Clark Library’s children’s department by emailing kids@emmaclark.org. In the email, please include:

• The first name and age of the child.
• Library barcode number (either child or parent).
• Which Librarian the child would like to “hang out” with.
• Preferred day and time to meet virtually.

The Librarians will email back to confirm, as well as include instructions on how to join via Zoom.

The Library is also hosting “Virtual Story Time with Mr. Brian” every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Brian Debus, Head Children’s Librarian, will read some of his favorite stories. After the Story Time, participants will receive a link for a simple craft that can be done at home. Parents or caregivers may register their children for the virtual story time by visiting emmaclark.org/virtual-classes-events. Library cardholders may sign up for one session or all.

Both of these programs will take place on the Zoom platform and are for Three Village children ages 3 years old through 2^nd grade.

“On behalf of the librarians here at Emma Clark, I know we all miss the children’s smiling faces, and we can’t wait to see them at the Library again,” says Mr. Debus. “But in the meantime, I hope that what we’re doing virtually through the Library keeps the children and their parents happy. Because in the long run, it’s all about the happiness of the children.”

These two new programs are in addition to the DIY Library Story Time @Home, a service that was announced at the beginning of April. This “virtual story time kit”, curated by the children’s librarians, contains educational and fun activities around the theme and text of a book chosen by the patron. These complete and meaningful story time plans can easily be done from home. More information can be found at www.emmaclark.org/diylibrarystorytime/.

If Emma Clark Library patrons have questions about how to use Zoom or any other technology-related questions, they are welcome to take advantage of “Time with a Tech”, personalized one-on-one technology help. To do so, Library cardholders simply send an email to techhelp@emmaclark.org and include their library barcode number & phone number. Jen Mullen, Technology Librarian, or Bob Johnson, Information Technology Manager, will call that number back between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.

The Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, located at 120 Main Street in Setauket and online at emmaclark.org, provides public library service to all residents of the Three Village Central School District.

“The Heart of the Three Village Community”