Morristown, NJ – “Step Into a Story” is back for another April in Morris Automated Information Network (MAIN) libraries. The Morris Area Youth Services (MAYS) Committee brings young patrons a month-long program where participants can visit libraries around MAIN and “step” into favorite children’s books.

Participating libraries each facilitate the program by choosing to decorate portions of their library to represent a different children’s book or series. Visitors can travel to Hogwarts from Harry Potter at the Madison Public Library, travel to Oz with Dorothy and friends at the Mendham Township Library, and convince the Pigeon not to drive the bus at the Parsippany Public Library’s main branch, among many others. The full list of participating libraries can be accessed here: www.florhamparklib.org/stepintoastory

Kate Dinneny, Youth Services Librarian at Florham Park Public Library co-chairs the MAYS Committee and described the program as, “a huge undertaking that annually reaches thousands of patrons across MAIN.” Ms. Dinneny continued, “Letting children physically immerse themselves into a setting they read about brings new meaning to reading comprehension and engagement. Seeing their eyes go wide is a blast and parents have the opportunity to reconnect with stories they read themselves as children or books they have recently read to their children. Youth services departments in public libraries are always looking for ways to help early literacy and this program is one of our favorite ways.”

In addition to “stepping” into favorite stories, young patrons also have the chance to enter to win a prize. Participants can enter once per library, allowing for multiple entries if visiting multiple libraries. To enter, patrons must be 18 years of age or younger and be in possession of, or have a parent in possession of a MAIN library card. MAIN was originally created in 1980 to help oversee the initial automation of the county’s library systems. Over time, it has evolved into a full-fledged public library consortium which offers its members cost-sharing opportunities, technical support, and an organizational structure conducive to collaboration and efficient management of tax dollars.

For further information please contact Phillip Berg, MAIN Executive Director, or visit https://www.mainlib.org.