Program Description
Event Details
Explore programming for ages 0–3 through the lens of three Ohio libraries. Expand your storytime skills through evidence-based techniques that incorporate literacy and STEM building into your events and teach you how to foster conversations that inspire community building and cultural connections. Learn how to create family-led special events that center the unique experiences of your community members and move beyond storytimes. Take home tips to cultivate cost-effective playtime resources focusing on developmental stages.
Session will be recorded.
Presenter Bios:
Annamarie Carlson builds a love of learning in kids and teens as the Youth Manager at Westerville Public Library near Columbus, Ohio. Previously, Annamarie explored programming for all ages, with a special passion for ages 0-3, at both Westerville Public Library and Upper Arlington Public Library. She co-presented Babytime Boredom: Building Culturally Responsive Programming for Ages 0-3 at the 2024 Public Library Association Conference. Annamarie recently served on the 2023 ALSC Caldecott Committee and is currently a member of the ALSC Notable Children's Digital Media Committee and the Past Coordinator of the Ohio Library Council’s Children’s Services Division.
Sarah Simpson has spent the last eleven years working in public libraries, honing her skills as a kid-lit expert and curating an extensive knowledge of and passion for children’s books. Prior to starting at the Schoenbaum Family Center as a Family Education and Literacy Specialist, she worked at the Westerville Public Library as a youth services librarian for five years. She co-presented 50+ School Age Program Ideas at the 2019 2022 OLC Convention and Expo and Babytime Boredom: Building Culturally Responsive Programming for Ages 0-3 at the 2024 Public Library Association Conference. She has contributed to 53 Ready-to-Use Kawaii Craft Projects, a 2020 ALA publication. She is also a book reviewer for School Library Journal and a blogger for Book Cart Queens. She holds a B.A. in art history from The Ohio State University and a M.L.I.S from Kent State University. When she is not at the library recommending books or leading storytime, she is hanging with her four mini-bookworms, husband, and four-legged kids.