I found this on the Scholastic Book Fair page. It is a plan for a Family Read-Aloud Night designed to be a part of a book fair. This is a great plan to use in this matter, as a kick-off to a new storytime session or just when you want to get parents into your library or school.
When I plan activities like these, I always include a tour of the library. I also believe that sometimes the lure of refreshments will bring out folks who might pass otherwise. Finally, make time for sharing an elevator speech of library borrowing policies and encourage parents to sign up for library cards for themselves and their children.
Ideally, an event like this would contain 10 to 15 minutes where the children were doing a craft or enjoying a snack with another staff member while you spoke with the adults. This is a great time to talk about how to select books to read with your children, share some popular or favorite titles, announce other events, and answer questions.
Click here to open the PDF of the plan. Also, Scholastic has a host of other great ideas on their bookfair chairperson's website including several other Family Read-Aloud Night plans for books like I Wanna Iguana and Super Fly Guy. Check out the cool printable bookmarks which would be handy to copy and have available at your circulation desk.
Consider hosting a family reading night. It is a great way to talk to the adults of the young people you serve as well as offer some great reading tips. Parents appreciate your suggestions and assistance, but are not always comfortable asking for them.
I love the idea of a family read-aloud night, Patti. It's a great bonding activity whether you do it in the library or just at home. Parents and children will not only enjoy a good book but also share their thoughts about it, as well as give book recommendations to the rest of the family.
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