Press Release

Date:          August 24, 2010
Contact:     Katherine Mielke
Phone:       (949) 717-3816
E-mail:       kmielke@newportbeachca.gov                           

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dial-a-Story Makes Storytime Available 24 Hours a Day

Newport Beach, CA (August 24, 2010) – Children love to listen to stories and a variety of story times are held weekly at the Newport Beach Public Library.  But it’s not always possible to make a trip to the library, so the Newport Beach Public Library has developed a new service for children and their families called Dial-a-Story.

Dial-a-Story gives children a chance to hear a story with a simple phone call to (949) 717-3877.   Dial-a-Story will provide access to story time 24 hours a day with stories changing every week.

According to Branch Librarian Heather Hart who worked on the program for Newport Beach Public Library, the Dial-a-Story project was funded by a LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) grant with the focus on helping children build early literacy skills. “We are very excited to offer this new story time option.  Dial-a-Story is a flexible, convenient way for parents to introduce their children to stories, songs, and fun!  It is also a great way for children to build early literacy skills.  Listening to stories and songs can help children develop vocabulary and reading skills,” said Hart.

For more information on Dial-a-Story or other programs at the Newport Beach Public Library, please call (949) 717-3800, option 2, or visit the website at www.newportbeachlibrary.org

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