This might be a first – story time at a San José City Council meeting!  Librarian Ed Koetitz (Almaden) was asked to do a five-minute version of story time at Tuesday’s Council meeting (11-30-2010).  He got the audience to sing along with him and participate with gusto.  The Library Foundation was in attendance and they graciously participated by playing rhythm sticks in the last musical selection "There is a Planet Bright and Blue."

In Nancy Pyle's opening remarks (Council member for District 10), she pointed out that story time at the San José Public Library was one of its most popular services to the residents of San José.  During the last fiscal year (09-10), the library presented 3,022 Story Times with 119,033 parents and children in attendance. 

Research has shown that children who are read to and who enjoy the reading experience are much more likely to become proficient readers and as a result, have great academic success throughout their lives.

You can watch the video here. Council member Nancy Pyle begins introducing Ed at exactly one minute into the meeting.  Enjoy!