This has been a weird month! So this bookshelf is going to be a bit different from normal. We went from planning spring break to planning a shut-in. We truly hope that you are staying safe and healthy surrounded by love. With the COVID-19 outbreak, we are trying to remain indoors as much as possible. When you’re stuck in the house looking for something to do reading can be the perfect pastime.
Reading has been one of my favorite pastimes since I was a little girl. It has allowed me to adventure to different places and worlds when I was stuck in one place. It has allowed me to escape during times of stress and sadness. Books truly have been some of my best and most supportive friends over the decades since I have learned how to read.
When I was in elementary and middle school I used to spend a lot of time hanging out at the library. If I close my eyes I can still see the table me and my friends would sit at. Sadly, in NYC right now the libraries are CLOSED. Fortunately, the libraries have a lot of online resources available to members.
Another online resource for reading children’s books right now is Audible! Usually a paid subscription they are streaming a large collection of children’s books for free in SIX languages. I think this is such a great resource for parents and littles. I’m going to use this resource as a way that JustaBXgirl and I can enjoy someone reading to us. I’m thinking this will be a great way for parents to take a little break.
Many people are also reading books online. Youtube is filled with storytime videos and lately so is Instagram and Facebook. JustaBXgirl started a weekly storytime at the beginning of the month on her YouTube and Instagram pages. I’ve been a little behind posting them to YouTube but she would love for you to check them out. Some of our other favorite authors have joined in the fun as well, such as Ty Allan Jackson and Evita Guiron.
Next month we will get back to a regular bookshelf and share some of what we have been reading at home and hopefully on the go BUT for now we wanted to share online resources that might serve our readers better.
