Reading Legacies

This special program by Reading Legacies allows families to create lasting memories by recording themselves reading a storybook aloud for a loved one. Open to parents, families, and children of all ages, this program aims to inspire family reading time—perfect for those separated by distance or looking to create a meaningful keepsake.

In private, one-on-one 30-minute sessions, trained volunteers will film participants reading a children's book aloud for a child who is special to them. The volunteers will help prepare participants, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident. Once the video footage is finalized, participants will be sent a secure, shareable YouTube link to their video.

Storybook Inspirations will be at the Library the third Wednesday and fourth Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon in the Digital Media Lab. To register, please visit https://calendly.com/readinglegacies-storycorner/storybook-legacies-program-at-the-coronado-pubic-library? choose a date and pick a timeslot. If a particular day's slots are full, scroll through the calendar to register for a spot in a future month. 

About a week before each Storybook Inspirations date, someone will reach out to each participant with a how-to flyer, a link to an informational video, and other information. Storybook Inspirations will also provide lists of books (as well as bring their library of these books to each filming session) that specifically support intergenerational relationships and child development by aligning with the 10 Badges of Character, a concept developed by the University of San Diego's School of Leadership and Education Sciences. Many of these character traits that are represented in books can be used to further conversations between generations. The book lists highlight each character trait along with examples of question prompts that can be helpful in encouraging personal storytelling and relationship building. The 10 Badges of Character are respect, responsibility, compassion, courage, perseverance, trust, honesty, gratitude, self-discipline, and citizenship. (It is also fine to read whichever book one would like to share with their child.)

Storybook Inspirations (formerly Storybook Legacies) is a program of Reading Legacies, founded by Betty J. Mohlenbrock, Founder and CEO (retired) of United Through Reading, a similar program for military families. Storybook Inspirations has a Story Corner and small library in Liberty Station as well.