Madison Public Library looking to improve Zoom storytime experience

Madison Public Library is reporting that new technology means even better Zoom storytimes as signups begin for new year programs.

Zoom storytimes are for children ages birth through preschool, and the library offers separate Zoom programming for children in kindergarten and older.

Sign-ups have started for all January programming, which use upgraded technology recently purchased to improve distance programs in the library’s two dedicated studios, according to a news release.

“We are so lucky to have talented staff like Kylie Coy to engage with children and families even when we can’t have groups together in the library,” Library Director Dee Culbertson stated in the release. “Some kids think Miss Kylie is famous on their computer screen.

They love talking to her.”

The library used money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act to upgrade its video production capabilities, so the library now can bring books to at-home audiences more effectively, said Shawn Walsh, emerging services and technology librarian.

“We’ve worked hard since the start of the pandemic to make sure our programs reach families who rely on our services, and we needed to learn on the fly and upgrade as best we could,” Walsh said in the release. “Our document camera was purchased thanks to CARES money donated to the library by Madison Village Council, and it helps our kids to see the books on the screen better.”

Also new this fall were Zoom storytimes scheduled specifically for local day care and preschool settings. The library also connected via

Zoom with students in afterschool care at the East End YMCA in Madison.

“We’re always looking for organizations to partner with,” Culberston said. “We can do storytimes for groups big and small remotely. We’re so happy with how well children respond to our staff with their stories, rhymes and songs.”

All the library’s online children’s programming begins the week of Jan. 4. Sign-ups are online at www. madison-library.info/events or at 440-428-2189.

The library also hosts monthly book clubs for children in kindergarten and first grade and separately for second- through fifth-graders, plus online Dungeons and Dragons for middle and high schoolers called Experience Points.

All are on the library’s website and calendar.

The library is located at 6111 Middle Ridge Road in Madison Township.