This post is a preview of a series we’ll be starting in the Fall showcasing our favorite library podcasts. Obviously at CMLE we are fans of podcasting (pump up your library skills with Linking Our Libraries and get some great book recs on Reading With Libraries) and we’re so excited to see more libraries creating podcasts.

This week, we’ll feature a podcast that was included in American Libraries magazine. The podcast Stork Storytime Talks is created by the North Liberty Community Library in Iowa and shares tips for early literacy aimed at expecting parents and caregivers.

Personally, I found the episodes interesting and informative. The sound quality was great, which is SO important! If you work in early literacy or are a parent/caregiver yourself, definitely check this one out!

From the article:

“The podcast grew out of an actual storytime at the library for expecting parents. Experts would talk about a specific early-literacy skill, and the library would share how we support that skill via programming and our collections. For instance, we had AmyRuth McGraw, lecturer at University of Iowa, discuss print motivation and how to read aloud to children. Karla McGregor, professor emeritus at University of Iowa, spoke about enriched vocabulary and the role of play in learning and development. At the end of the storytime, there would be social time for the adults. We wanted to provide a place where expecting parents could meet, start to build relationships and a network of support, and develop a habit of coming to the library.

But, as library programmers might empathize with me, I quickly realized that it’s hard to find a time that works for this specific population to attend. Even though North Liberty is a fast-growing community with a large number of young families, expecting parents have a lot going on in their lives—and a short time frame before baby arrives. 

I knew sharing early-literacy concepts was important and wanted to see the program continued, so I decided to turn it into a podcast. This format would allow adults to listen and learn when they had the time, as well as expand the program’s reach beyond our community.”

Read the rest of the article and find the podcast on your favorite app or here on Apple Podcasts.