Sharing Storytime Across the Miles

By Jaci Cooper, Director of Projects and Planning

Modeling positive habits and hobbies for my 7-year-old niece is super important to me. As someone without kids of my own, I take great joy and responsibility in helping to guide and shape the cool little person she’s becoming each day. As a lifelong learner and a person who helps lead a large library system, modeling reading, self-led learning, and a positive relationship with our public resources like libraries comes naturally for me. Since she was an infant, each time she visits me, she looks forward to exploring one of KDL’s Wonderknooks, doing the in-branch scavenger hunts, checking out stacks and stacks of books, and going to some fun programs- like Llama visits! 

Of course, this is much easier in person—but she lives six hours away. Thankfully, FaceTime has been a lifesaver, helping us maintain a close relationship. I have so many funny stories of the zany and creative ways she’s incorporated me, her “Facetime floating head” on a screen, into her play. From launching me (the iPhone) down a slide on her swing set (much to my sister’s chagrin) to building a LEGO fortress around me or ordering up delicious meals for her to whip up from her play kitchen, we always find ways to connect virtually. 

But did you know you can easily read with your long-distance littles, too? At first, we started the Summer Wonder challenge when she was visiting, but we wanted to continue it after she went back home. We read physical books to each other over Facetime, which we still do, but sometimes we have trouble seeing the pictures and following along with the words. Then I had a stroke of genius: I could share my screen using my iPad or iPhone and access my Hoopla or Libby app! 

Now we pick a book together on the app and read it virtually. It’s such a special way to stay connected and share the joy of reading, no matter the distance. 

Here’s How You Can Do It: 

1. Set Up Your Devices: Make sure you and your little one have access to FaceTime (or any video call app that supports screen sharing, like Zoom or Google Meet). 
2. Download the Apps: Install Hoopla or Libby on your device if you haven’t already. Both apps are free with your library card and offer a wide selection of eBooks for kids. 
3. Initiate the Video Call: Start your FaceTime or video call with your loved one. 
4. Enable Screen Sharing: On FaceTime, swipe up from the bottom of the call screen and tap “Share My Screen.” On other apps, look for a screen share option. 
5. Open Your App: Open the Hoopla or Libby app and select the book you’d like to read together. You can search by title or browse by collection.
6. Start Reading: Flip through the pages, read aloud, and enjoy the shared experience.

Do you have nieces, grandchildren or other loved ones far away? Do your kids miss your nightly storytimes when you’re traveling? Use this trick and let us know how they liked it!