Thursday, May 10, 2012

Ruth Enlow Library Oakland, Maryland

News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Bonetta Winters 301-334-3996 x117

Storytelling with Puppets

The Ruth Enlow Library, in partnership with Jane Avery of Our Town Theatre and also the Friendsville and Kitzmiller schools, will present several interactive programs titled Storytelling with Puppets in March. At each event, Avery plans to entertain the participants with puppetry and storytelling. Children will learn about the importance of reading and stories and will have an opportunity to create a finger puppet during the program. They also will receive a free book to take home. Storytelling with Puppets is scheduled as follows: Accident Library, Wednesday, March 28, 5:30 6:30 p.m., for children ages 5 10. Due to limited space and supplies, registration is required by calling the library at 301-746-8792 or emailing susan@relib.net. Grantsville Library, Monday, March 19, 6:30 7:30 p.m., for children ages 5 10. Due to limited space and supplies, registration is required by calling Sandra at 301-895-5298, ext. 102, or emailing sandra@relib.net. Oakland Library, Monday, March 26, 6:30 7:30 p.m., for children ages 5 10. Due to limited space, registration is required by calling Keela at 301-3343996, ext. 115, or emailing keela@relib.net. Friendsville Elementary School, Tuesday, March 27, 9:30 10:30 a.m. for Head Start 1st grade and 10:30 11:30 a.m. for 2nd 5th grades. The contact is Michele Liston at 301-746-5663 or michele@relib.net. Kitzmiller Elementary School, Thursday, March 29, 1 2 p.m. for Head Start 1st grade, and 2 3 p.m. for 2nd 5th grades. The contact is Diane Kisner at 301-453-3368 or diane@relib.net.

A listing of events and services at the Ruth Enlow Library is available on the website at www.relib.net. End

Storytelling provides wonderful benefits for students. Visual, listening, imagination, sequencing, vocabulary and reading abilities are strengthened. Children are encouraged to develop feelings of empathy for other people and cultures, a greater willingness to communicate thoughts and feelings, and active participation in a group setting.

Program Proposal:
The Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County, Maryland, Grantsville Branch Childrens Programming Presents Storytelling with Puppets through a visit from Jane Avery & Clem. The Library, in partnership with Jane Avery of Our Town Theatre will present an interactive program for children ages 5-10 on Monday March 5, 2012. Storytelling with Puppets will introduce the children to puppetry and storytelling along with the importance of reading and stories using a combination of library and community resources.

Preplanning steps *weeks ahead of time A. *12 Determine the preferred date and time for Jane and the Library *11 Anticipate attendance of 30 participants; registration should be required *10 Confirm Library Meeting Room is available/ Confirm with Jane Avery * 8 Create promotional materials for library, website, community, news release * 7 Inform other staff members about program and registration process * 6 Confirm again with Presenter and POST promotional materials * 5, 4 Accept registrations/ Gather Craft Supplies/ Prepare sign-in sheet * 3, 2 Gather all handouts and Evaluation forms for the program. Check with presenter about specific room set up and supply needs.
B. Day or 2 before the Event- Contact all participants to remind them of date and time. C. Morning of the Event - Make sure all librarians have information needed to direct any patrons to the event. Set up tables in the Meeting Room area with the handouts, evaluation forms, pencils and basket to submit completed forms. D. 2 hours before the event-Set up Sign-in area and place six signs to direct patrons to the Meeting Room. Assign a staff member to count attendance and observe the interest level of the audience. Be available to help Presenter set up the room. E. Welcome the audience -confirm nametags, introduce Presenter, be available to assist, Keep time schedule for craft activities, selecting puppets and books, Thank Presenter, Request Evaluations be filled out, thank all participants for attending, confirm handouts and items are taken home by each family and...Keep Smiling

Evaluation of program

-Read the ratings and comments on Evaluation forms returned at the conclusion of the program and unsolicited comments submitted at the library. -Discuss observations from Presenter, Library staff and Self relating to enjoyment & interest level along with noticeable distractions or dissatisfaction of attendees. -Reflect on comments and phone calls received after the event to staff members. -Check with Tech. Personnel about possibilities of using the library website as a tool to allow patrons to leave comments about events or Childrens Programming in general.

This event supports our mission statement by providing free access to quality services designed to meet the educational, cultural, recreational and informational needs of the elementary aged children and their parents in the community we serve.