Library to hold virtual Storytime beginning today

The Starkville Public Library starting Monday will begin to offer a digital option for local kids, despite having closed its doors to help combat the spread of COVID-19.

Library staff is inviting its normal crowd and newcomers alike to tune in to Virtual Children’s Storytime every weekday at 10 a.m. on the Starkville Public Library’s Facebook page.

Prior to the pandemic, the library would offer Storytime twice a week, providing a free and educational activity for local children and their parents.

“I’ve had tons of moms text me or Facebook message me or even send me photos showing me how much the kids have missed me,” children’s librarian Loraine Walker said. “And I love them all so very dearly. I think it’s a good way to remind them that those things are different, but there’s one thing that will never change and that is Storytime with Miss Rainey.”

Walker said while the library holds similar programs yearround, she wants the children’s room to be a constant in the children’s lives.

“In a time like this that we have to be physically distant I thought with virtual Storytimes we can still be close,” she said. “I’m letting the children submit pictures of the projects and artwork they’ve been working on that I will put in an online album and providing links to activities that coordinate with each book.”

Walker said she normally only held one family Storytime a week and two with Emerson.

But she said she was inspired from her childhood and watching “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood”

every day with her younger sister Carol.

“It was something we looked forward to and counted on every day,” Walker said. “That’s why I chose to do daily Storytimes.”

Walker also said she wanted the library’s patrons to know that the Starkville Public Library is here for them during this time.

“We aren’t charging fines or late fees during this period, of course,” Walker said. “And we will always do our best to serve them no matter what.”