CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Public libraries across the state have been forced to close their doors due to COVID-19, but many are bringing the library into people’s homes.
“Before we’re library staff members, we’re people and we all want to be of service during this time period,” said Denise Raleigh, division chief of public relations and development at the Gail Borden Public Library District in Elgin.
She said the goal is to keep education on the forefront during the shelter-in-place and keep students engaged.
“We all know, all of the studies that show that a child who gets read to or a child who reads, there’s so much success that comes academically later in life," she said.
And the community response has been incredibly positive, inspiring children to be creative.
Other institutions have turned to social media to keep sharing children storytime programs. The American Writers Museum in the Loop is delivering its weekly Little Squirrel reading events online. Every Saturday at 10:30 a.m., the museum will premiere three stories live on its Facebook page. Actors, musicians and broadcast personality are reading stories for children, including some of WBBM's own.