Prime Time Family Reading
Prime Time Family Reading
Delaware Humanities is an affiliate partner of Prime Time Family Reading, bringing programs to Delaware communities that build strong foundations of literacy and critical thinking.
Designed for 6 to 10-year-old children and their families, Prime Time programs model strategies for continued family bonding through literature. Each program supports learning through discussions focused on open-ended questions about the books. These discussions encourage participants to form their own opinions, to suspend judgment, and to learn that, in life as in literature, there is rarely one simple “right” answer.
We partner with libraries and other organizations to bring Prime Time Family Reading to communities across our state. Is your organization interested in becoming a Prime Time host? Contact us!
Delaware Humanities programs are made possible in part by funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the NEH or Delaware Humanities.
How it Works
A Prime Time Family Reading program runs for six consecutive weeknight evenings at a host site (library or other organization with ties to library programs).
Programs are FREE for children ages 6 to 10 and their parents, grandparents, or other caregivers.
Each 90-minute session begins with families sharing a meal, followed by reading and discussion.
Families read two books per week and take these books home to begin building their home libraries.
Programs can run in spring or fall.
Delaware Humanities covers most program costs.
Prime Time teams are comprised of four crucial roles: the Program Coordinator, Storyteller, Scholar, and Community Organizer. Delaware Humanities will work with host sites to identify individuals to fill these roles. Team members who fulfill these roles outside of their employment (often the Storyteller, Scholar, and/or Community Organizer) are eligible for a stipend from Delaware Humanities.
- Program Coordinator: The Program Coordinator works to implement the program at the host site, including coordinating their team, planning meals, distributing books, reporting to Delaware Humanities, and more. This role is usually filled by a youth services librarian or a similar employee at a partner organization.
- Storyteller: The Storyteller reads beautifully illustrated, award-winning children’s books filled with culturally diverse stories, folk tales, and historical accounts from around the world.
- Scholar: The Scholar leads discussion, guiding participants to personally connect with literature and think beyond who, what, when, and where with open-ended questions that inspire critical thinking.
- Community Organizer: The Community Organizer works to recruit families to participate in the program.
For spring programs, all new team members must attend a virtual training session in January. For fall programs, all new team members must attend a virtual training session in July.
Are you interested in serving your community by becoming a Prime Time Scholar or Storyteller? We can match you with host sites in your area. Contact us!
Become a Host Site
If your organization is interested in hosting Prime Time, the first step is to contact us. Our staff will meet with you to discuss the program and outline the next steps to bringing Prime Time to your community.
“This is an amazing program. My family and I are forever grateful for the time spent. Thank you for being invested in the community.”
Fall 2024 Prime Time Participants
“Thank you for providing an inclusive environment where kids can learn and feel safe.”
