With Our Own Words Librarians’ Perceptions of the Values of Storytelling in Libraries

Abstract

Storytelling has been part of public library programming since the late 1800s, and its value has been widely discussed by librarians. The works of twenty-six public librarians and one schoolteacher were examined for trends in their perceptions of storytelling's value in libraries. The data reveal that, while storytelling is beneficial for librarian development and institutional promotion, the primary values are for children: (1) motivating reading, (2) developing strength of character, (3) growing their imaginations through vicarious experience, (4) exposing them to culture and history, (5) building personal relationships and emotional engagement, and (6) improving basic literacy skills.

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