A neighborhood-favorite children’s librarian is looking for her little story-time regulars to join her for songs, stories and puppets on her new Facebook page. You might know Miss Elaine from Southeast Library, where she has charmed swarms of toddlers and preschoolers over the past year (Capitol Hill Kid professed its love in this post).
“I started Miss Elaine and Friends with the hope of reaching out to the children and families I serve on Capitol Hill,” Miss Elaine said. “I wanted to let them know I’m still here, I miss them, and don’t want to lose the connections we’ve built over the last year.
“In these isolating and uncertain times it is more important than ever for children to see a familiar smile, singing a familiar tune.”
At Miss Elaine and Friends, she will hold story time on live stream on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. This afternoon she held the first one, which was about a half-hour long. The story time had many of the same elements as the in-person story times, such as the “Hello” song and puppets–but the enraptured children were at home instead of at her feet.
I watched with AJ (although we didn’t catch it live and saw the recorded video). He said: “I know her!” and also: “I want banana song!”
Elaine also has four short song videos available for kids wanting their favorites–“A Slippery Fish,” “Firetruck Song,” “Five Little Froggies,” and yes, “Bananas” in a version that features a real banana that Elaine peels, chops and smashes (but does not eat) in her own kitchen!
Elaine is considering doing story times on Zoom if there is interest (“I am missing all my little faces,” she said). Go like/follow Miss Elaine and Friends @storytimeshelter and let her know what you think. As a page follower, you will get notifications about upcoming story times and videos.
If you know Miss Elaine, you will want to follow along. If you don’t know Miss Elaine, follow anyway–she is a neighborhood gem, and your little one will love her. Read more about her in this post from April 2019: Free and Awesome: Story Time at Southeast Library.
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