4 Simple Ways to Foster Caregiver Connections in Storytime

Let’s face it: engaging children during storytime is only part of the equation; parents and caregivers need to feel welcome and connected, too. In fact, studies show that 79% of parents crave ways to connect with others outside of work and home, and 66% feel lonely. That means more than half the adults in your storytime room crave connection (even the ones staring at their phones). The more engaged the adults are, the more likely they are to keep bringing their children back to the library. Plus, sparking friendships and friend groups via library programming can be one of the most rewarding (and underrated) aspects of public library work. Engaging with adults can feel daunting, but a few small tweaks can make all the difference. These steps will ripple outward, building community among library parents, creating loyal storytime attendees, and even turning them into library advocates.

Learn Caregiver Names

Learning names can be difficult, but it’s one of the best ways to put others at ease and make them feel included. If remembering names isn’t your strong suit, it’s ok. Give yourself some grace. Simply try learning and using the name of one new parent or caregiver each week.

Provide Nametags for the Adults (Not Just the Kids)

This makes learning names easier and, more importantly, helps patrons connect with one another. Set out blank sticky nametags for adults to fill in themselves (these are some of my favorites) and direct adults to the nametag station as they enter the room. It’s a great way to start learning names and help caregivers engage with one another.

Patron Introductions

If you have a smaller group (about 15 families or fewer), start each storytime by asking attendees to quickly share their name, their child’s name, and one new or exciting thing they did in the last week. It’s a fantastic way to break the ice and help caregivers start conversations after storytime. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve overheard a parent walk up to another one during playtime and say, ‘We went to that park on Saturday, too!’ or ‘Congrats on him sleeping through the night!’, etc.

Engage During Playtime

Ending storytime with free play gives children an excellent chance to practice new concepts. It’s also a great opportunity for adults to play and socialize, but they often need help. Take time to engage with the adults during playtime and move around the room to check in with each one when possible. By chatting and asking open-ended questions, you’re not only making the adults feel seen, but also creating connection points for others to jump in. Then step back and let them take the lead. Some opening lines to use with adult patrons include:

What did your child think of today’s books? What theme should we offer next time?
Does your child have a favorite storytime song? Is there a special song you’d like us to include next time?
That’s such a great shirt [or insert another item the adult or their kid is wearing that you genuinely like]! Where did you find it?
Has anyone been to the new park [insert any local place] lately? I heard there’s a new play structure. What’s it like?
How’s your family doing?
Your kiddo is enjoying the blocks! Do they enjoy playing with blocks at home, too?
I’d like to get some new toys for playtime. Do you have any recommendations?