This program is now called Booktalks.

Encouraging middle schoolers to read, engendering their interest in learning and curiosity about the world is the goal of this program. It is presented free of charge by an experienced and qualified youth services librarian who is also a member of the Literacy Alliance. The librarian remains in the classroom for the entire day and provides a program that includes a selection of the following: age appropriate fiction and nonfiction booktalks, poetry, a science experiment, and a children’s book accompanied by music. Every effort is made to booktalk books from a wide range of genres that have both male and female protagonists, thus appealing to as many students as possible. Props, costumes, music, and accents are often used to enhance the booktalking experience. Each student receives a handout which provides helpful information about the books being booktalked as well as many other age appropriate books. The number of students reached during one school visit is generally around 130 students but can be as high as 250. These programs get students to read. There are noticeable increases in the circulation of the booktalked books at the county and school libraries. Scheduling for these booktalk presentations is provided in part by the Seminole County Public Schools' Dividends Program. Booktalks have been provided to the Seminole County School System through the Public Library since 1994. However due to budget cuts the Library discontinued this program. In 2009, the Literacy Alliance took over providing booktalks to Seminole County students. We have chosen to continue this important program because the need to involve students in enjoyable reading activities is vital to their continued success in education and in life.

Several teachers have shared their appreciation of our efforts to help children get excited about reading; read what they had to say. Go to our calendar of events for information on upcoming performances.