PRIME TIME and bilingual PRIME TIME provide a unique six-to eight-week program of reading, discussion, and storytelling at public libraries and other venues. Bilingual programs are specifically tailored for Spanish/English speaking families with book titles and discussions provided in both languages.

The PRIME TIME model pairs a scholar and a storyteller as discussion leaders, combining analysis and demonstration for 6-10 year olds and parents who are at-risk due to low literacy skills. Using award-winning children’s illustrated books, a storyteller will model storytelling and read-aloud techniques, and a humanities scholar will stimulate discussion of core humanities themes. Together, the discussion leaders create an environment in which parents and children connect literature to real-life via humanities-based discussion and lay the foundation for life-long learning experiences.

Scholars should have a doctorate in a humanities discipline (literature, history, philosophy, and related areas) with university teaching experience. Scholars with a master’s degree in a humanities discipline with university teaching experience will be considered. A PRIME TIME scholar must be comfortable working with participants who have limited reading skills and do not have experience talking about books. The honorarium for six-week programs is $875 and for eight-week programs is $1,125. Payment is for leading the weekly sessions and submitting a final narrative report on the program’s outcomes.

PRIME TIME storytellers must possess knowledge of children’s literature and demonstrate the ability to work with non-traditional audiences. The storytellers will not be performing but demonstrating storytelling and reading aloud techniques that are accessible and replicable for the parents/guardians. Individuals interested in this role may have library science backgrounds, elementary education certification, or professional storytelling experience. Ideally, storytellers at bilingual sites will be fluent in Spanish. The honorarium for six-week programs is $875 and for eight-week programs is $1,125. Payment is for leading the weekly sessions and submitting a final narrative report on the program’s outcomes.

Interested and qualified individuals should contact any PRIME TIME staff member and prepare to submit a curriculum vitae (scholars) or appropriate work history (storytellers) for consideration. Once a decision has been made, applicants are notified by a PRIME TIME staff person. An invitation to attend a PRIME TIME Training workshop (January or August) will be extended once the applicant agrees to work with a PRIME TIME site in his/her area. Trained discussion leaders are placed on PRIME Time’s growing list of scholars and storytellers and are likely to be contracted periodically. For additional details on qualifications and responsibilities, click here team member sheet). Or for more general information call (504) 620-2625.