ALPENA — Last week the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library became a “national” library with its Virtual Storytime Kits. Thanks to the reach of social media, people in California, Puerto Rico, Maine, Illinois, Mississippi, and even British Columbia and Ontario have used the kits.

Libraries across the country have also been sharing the kits with their patrons. The storytime kits have even captured the attention of publisher HarperCollins, who shared one of the kits on their Instagram page.

Authors of the books being used have expressed their appreciation to the library for sharing their stories with such a wide audience.

Youth Services staff member Sara Grochowski shared, “I’m thrilled by the response the kits have received because, being a public librarian, my job is to serve the needs of our community. The fact that we are still able to provide opportunities for quiet play, and learning at a time when we can’t welcome patrons into our physical building is a task we don’t take lightly. As far as the national attention the kits have received, I think a lot of people are feeling very isolated right now, but, in so many ways, we are all connected. This really illustrates that truth.”

Every weekday morning, a new Virtual Storytime Kit is added to the Library’s Facebook page and website. Each kit includes a virtual reading/performance of a story or book, along with activities to extend learning. The activities are varied to appeal to various ages and with accessibility in mind, no matter what the participant skill level or on-hand materials.

For more information, visit www.alpenalibrary.org or the library’s Facebook page.

Located in downtown Alpena, the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library was established in 1967 as a county library. Dedicated to serving as a regional gathering place for learning and quality cultural experiences, the library also acts as a primary resource for historical research, enrichment opportunities, and educational support. The library is committed to building a reading community while providing quality humanities programming unique to this area of Michigan.