Collection Anywhere and the Digital Library are proud to be the first library to bring members the Speakaboos app. Brought to you by the mind behind many of PBS’s early childhood series and geared toward children ages 2 – 6, Speakaboos is an early literacy product designed to introduce children to the joy of reading.

The app is a great resource for parents looking to supplement storytime with interactive, engaging ebooks. With up to three options to read – Read to Me, Read it Myself, and Read & Play – parents have multiple points of engagement. A parent can read aloud a story then allow the child to explore with Read & Play. A parent who struggles with reading can set the Read to Me option and still get to enjoy the joy of reading together. With no account sharing, no need to have the internet, and dozens of books (with more coming), we think this will be a hit with the members.  

Don’t have a mobile device?  The same Speakaboos experience is available on the Speakboos website.

What's Coming Up?

1. May: 
   1. Launch - May 15th, 2017
   2. Each location will receive a colorful poster featuring characters from Speakaboo stories.
   3. Add link to Speakaboos on all children's computers.
   4. Create and finalize http://www.metrolibrary.org/speaksboos [1] to help members understand the difference between Speakaboos online and Speakaboos app.
   5. Investigate adding the Speakaboos app on all MediaSurfer tablets.
   6. Promotions on Metrolibrary.org and Social Media
2. June/July: 
   1. Speakaboos bookmarks will be available.
   2. Online promotion during Summer Reading including a badge for investigating Speakaboos.
   3. Email to Bedtime Stories [2] member cluster.

Talking Points

1. A Love to Read website and app for pre-school children
2. Three modes of interaction (read to me, read it myself, and read & play)
3. Easy access to scores of kids ebooks – no checkout limit, no holds, no sharing accounts
4. A great supplement to library storytime – come to storytime then play at home!

Action Steps

1. Visit Speakaboos Online:  http://spotic.us/speakaboos1 [3]
2. Sign up for access to the Speakaboos app:  http://spotic.us/speakaboos-app [4]
3. Download the app and/or play online
4. Tell a parent and/or give it to your kid!
5. Let us know what you think