Dial-a-story is a service which allows people to call a phone a number, select a story from a given list, and hear the story read over the phone. A number of libraries offer this service to foster good relations with their patrons, with a rotating list of stories so that dial-a-story does not get boring. Libraries may pay a small fee to set the service up, or they can do the set up themselves, and it often proves to be a big hit with patrons.
The stories offered by a dial-a-story service vary from location to location. The service typically features a wide assortment of children's books, along with some short chapter books, which may be offered with a chapter a week to encourage people to call back. Some dial-a-story services also include poems and longer books. In all cases, they are primarily aimed at younger patrons, although people of all ages are of course welcome to call in.
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For libraries, the service acts as a great form of patron outreach, creating positive emotions about the library and encouraging people to visit the library. Having a storyteller on demand can also be useful for parents, who may want their children to be stimulated and encouraged to read, but who also value a little bit of quiet time. Kids often really enjoy the service, especially once they are old enough to use dial-a-story on their own, as it sparks the imagination and fosters independence.
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Storytelling is, after all, a very ancient practice among most human cultures, and many people remember having stories read to them by parents, teachers, and library staffers as children. Dial-a-story can be one way to satisfy a child with a seemingly insatiable hunger for new stories without leaving the house, and if children have the books read on the service at home, they can follow along. Dial-a-story can be especially valuable for children who lack enrichment at home, due to a variety of circumstances.
Your local library may offer a dial-a-story service; you can call up and ask, or check their website. If the library doesn't offer the service, staffers might consider it if you make a request. To offset the costs of setting up the service, you could offer to help organize a fundraiser or appeal for donations to encourage people to get involved with the library. You may want to point out that setting up the dial-a-story service could generate goodwill in the community and interest in the library among patrons who are not currently being reached.
![Mary McMahon](http://assets.languagehumanities.org/res/common/img/avatars/MaryMcMahon.jpg)
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a Language & Humanities researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.