Creating a Welcoming Culture for Caregivers at Storytime

We often talk about how to create inclusive environments for our library Storytimes. However, the conversation tends to focus on children. What about the grown-ups?

There are many resources that focus on child attendees because, as we know, meeting the needs of all children through accessible and inclusive programming is imperative. You can read about a myriad of strategies on the ALSC blog, such as using Universal Design, Visual Schedules, and Sensory Storytimes. 

With this in mind, we tend to overlook the needs of adults. These grown-up attendees are primarily responsible for getting the babies and children to the Storytime to begin with and are oftentimes present for the program’s duration. Their needs matter too!

When we consider the needs of caregivers during programming, we can encourage attendance and participation without barriers. 

Getting Started

Below are some suggestions to try. Keep in mind that there’s no “one size fits all” approach and that these ideas are just jumping off points for you to tailor toward your own library. 

• Having a flexible attendance and registration policy, if possible
• Offering multiple different storytime sessions that don’t interfere with typical nap times
• Allowing siblings to join in on programs (and offering alternate activities for them, within reason). When there are mixed age groups: plan for the target audience and offer ways to adapt for kids who are at different stages.
• Utilize signage: close the door once the program has started (for safety), but put a sign on the door that says to “Please come in, all are welcome!”. This tells late-comers that they are still included.
• Set up the space to serve people with the highest level of need. Offer plenty of adult sized chairs in case caregivers can’t, or don’t, want to sit on the floor. Ensure that there is space for kids who need to move around.

Safe Spaces for Grown-Ups

Creating a welcoming culture in this way is so important because it removes the barrier of shame. Shame, especially around parenting, can be a deep internalized feeling. Being welcoming helps to send the counter message – there’s no need to be ashamed of your child being loud, crying, or arriving late! Using kind language with flexible policies around registration and attendance can empower your caregiver attendees to show up as they are and know that they are in a safe space at the library. 

Overall, we must remember to have empathy. The grown-up who shows up at the library program is trying their best. We don’t know their story or their background, whether it be a single parent, working parent, grandparent, or babysitter. All should be included. 

If we want to increase participation and attendance for our Storytimes, we have to think of the adults, too. The babies can’t drive themselves to the library! Buy-in from the adults is an important piece to this puzzle. Let’s soften and make things just a little bit easier by showing how welcoming libraries are to all members of our community. 

Joannie Lauria is the Youth Services Consultant at the Suffolk Cooperative Library System in New York.