Published: 17 Jun 2021
Today, Local Public Libraries across Scotland launch a new series of children’s digital events for the end of term and summer holidays, entitled #StreamMyStory, bringing together authors, illustrators, storytellers and libraries from across all 32 local authorities.
In response to the challenges Covid-19 poses to services, an initial programme of 16 events for all ages and stages from early years up to S3 is delivered thanks to funding by Creative Scotland and produced by Scotland’s public library services.
During the lockdowns of the Covid-19 pandemic, when young readers have been denied the vibrant, inspiring mix of author visits, activities and sessions that local libraries usually offer, Scottish public librarians have worked together (virtually, of course!) to devise the best way of delivering entertaining, intuitive content for children online during such a difficult time for library services, schools, children and parents alike.
The result, now launched as #StreamMyStory, is an online hub where teachers, parents and carers will find quality videos from much-loved authors from Scotland and beyond to help encourage young readers in their passion for books.
Authors included in the diverse line-up of events include: poet and children’s author Joseph Coelho sharing a reading for early primary-aged children from his much-loved Luna Loves series, this time Luna Loves Art; Tom Morgan Jones and Mairi Kidd inspiring older primary school children in their lofty ambitions to become Great Scots as they present - using draw-alongs, science experiments, discussion and much silliness and fun - Strong Brave True: Great Scots who Changed the World; for secondary-aged children, Phil Earle and Michael Wagg discussing the inspiration for their powerful story of an unbreakable friendship in Edgar and Adolf; writer and illustrator Debi Gliori in an important and timely discussion for teenagers about depression, through the metaphor of her dragons, in the powerful visual account, Night Shift; and an exclusive interview with Anthony McGowan and Patrice Lawrence about their books Rat and I Am the Minotaur in which they discuss why they are drawn to writing about teens, what it is about ‘outsider’ characters that attracts them, and what they hope young readers take from their books; as well as talks and readings by library favourites Vivian French, Alan Windram, Peter Brown and Pamela Butchart.
Bestselling children’s author, Debi Gliori said:
“#StreamMyStory is a brilliant way to connect writers and illustrators with readers. #StreamMyStory is all about stories, on tap, when you want them, read for you by the people who wrote them. Here’s to a great summer of readings and stories. Enjoy!”
Introduced by Cressida Cowell, UK Children’s Laureate, #StreamMyStory is available now, free to view on the dedicated You Tube Channel, until the end of August.
Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland, said:
“This exciting and innovative approach connecting young readers with authors, illustrators and storytellers through local public libraries, is perfectly timed as we head into school summer holidays. Congratulations to librarians across the country for bringing this inspiring programme to life, and to all those looking forward to taking part, enjoy a great summer's reading activities.”
Andrew Olney, Chair of the Association for Public Libraries Scotland, said:
“We’re delighted to have received this funding from Creative Scotland to support the necessary development of the Scotland wide public library workforce to be able to support our customers access to vital children’s reading and literacy programmes online. These funds have supported the collective library authority teams being able to work in an effective way to co-design and collaborate with children’s authors and illustrators to enable a vibrant, fun and entertaining programme of events through #StreamMyStory to connect with some of our most important readers – children, families and educators. This learning will no doubt lead to even more collaborative working that will support our customer needs right across Scotland.”
Gillian Hunt on behalf of the Library Services’ collaborative working group, said:
“Librarians across Scotland came together to see what we could do to keep engaging with children and families and inspire them to keep reading, at a time when it wasn’t possible to hold events and activities in our libraries. We are very proud of the #StreamMyStory programme and grateful to everyone who has assisted, including all the authors and storytellers who agreed to take part. We hope families will enjoy watching the videos online and look forward to welcoming everyone back to the library during the summer holidays!”
A celebration of the pleasure of reading and the power of imagination, #StreamMyStory runs alongside this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, Wild World Heroes, which is delivered in partnership with The Reading Agency. Schools and nurseries are invited to log on during the final few weeks of term, and libraries will be promoting the author events through the #StreamMyStory social channels and via their own library channels:
Twitter @StreamAStory1
Facebook Stream My Story
Instagram @streammystory
#StreamMyStory is free to view on its own You Tube channel from Thursday 17 June to Tuesday 31 August.
For more information on current guidelines on the opening of public libraries in Scotland, and on the impact of Covid-19 on Scottish Public Libraries, visit here.
Scotland’s Public Library Services brought together the Libraries Early Years Strategy Group and the Libraries children & Young People’s Strategy Group, which focus on reading and literacy work across Scotland, to deliver the #StreamMyStory programme. Thanks in particular to the involvement and support of the following local authorities: Aberdeen City Libraries, Live Life Aberdeenshire, ANGUSalive, East Ayrshire Leisure, East Lothian Council, City of Edinburgh Council, East Dunbartonshire Leisure & Cultural Trust, Glasgow Life, Inverclyde Libraries, Midlothian Council, North Ayrshire Council, Culture NL – North Lanarkshire, Culture Perth & Kinross, Renfrewshire Leisure, South Ayrshire Council, South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture, West Dunbartonshire Council. OnFife, Orkney Council, Stirling Council, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council).
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
The Reading Agency works across the UK to promote reading to everybody, regardless of economic background. In 2019-20 it reached over 1.8 million people in the UK, including more than 950,000 children and over 900,000 adults and young people. Their ethos is that it does not matter what you read, so long as you read.
For more information, please visit https://readingagency.org.uk
Free, one-time use images are available and have been sent to picture desks.
For further information about #StreamMyStory, including images and author interviews, contact Nicky Stonehill or Fiona Atherton at StonehillSalt PR. Email nicky@stonehillalt.co.uk or fiona@stonehilsalt.co.uk
