PRIME TIME

Mmmmmm. Conjuring images of the yummy and nutritious meals served during PRIME TIME Plus, a Florida-based storyteller has compared the PRIME TIME experience to serving a highly-anticipated and nourishing meal. Antoinette Griffin offers a transporting description of program sessions, and ends by quoting a participating family:

“My family and I did the Prime Time event and I wanted to let you know that I think it made a difference in our two daughters. First of all I want you to know our whole family looked forward to it and miss it now. Before the program our oldest daughter Morgan struggled with her thoughts in talking about subjects aloud. A week ago my husband asked a question about a book Morgan was reading and for the first time Morgan answered the question in a very detailed, sequenced description of the book. My husband and I were so proud of the way she had answered it. We believe that your program helped to do this. By having the stories read, (excellent reader, by the way), and asking the questions afterwards with no judgment, it allowed our daughters to get positive feedback other than teachers and us. I think also by hearing others and everyone being supportive of everyone, it was just was a joy to be there.”     -The Keevers

Read the full essay here.

Through the sponsorship of our partners at the Florida Humanities Council, the Orange County Library System has served more than 2,300 PRIME TIME participants.  We appreciate Antoinette, and contributor Harry Coverston, for this heartwarming glimpse into PRIME TIME’s magic.

Target Corporation Gives to PRIME TIME

District Team Leader Ali Malik noted that Target supports mission-aligned projects across communities, and said “We are excited to be able to support PRIME TIME Family Reading Time, which has had such positive effects in our local  community.”

PRIME TIME Scholar and Storyteller Recruitment is On!

The PRIME TIME staff is seeking qualified professionals to train and serve as scholars and storytellers throughout the state.  PRIME TIME scholars and storytellers are the backbone of the program, and their roles define the quality and impact of each session.  Reading stories and asking families questions about them seems simple, but it truly takes a special personality to successfully carry out those tasks according to the PRIME TIME methodology. 

PRIME TIME requires professionalism, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, commitment to preparation, and a desire to serve vulnerable populations.  Accordingly, scholars and storytellers are not asked to volunteer their time and expertise.  Stipends for program facilitation and mileage reimbursement for traveling to and from program sites is provided.

Click here for details on eligibility and/or the selection process.  Send résumés and curriculum vitas to the PRIME TIME staff, and contact Shantrell Austin with questions.

Spring 2016 Louisiana PRIME TIME Applications Available

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities is now accepting applications for Spring 2016 programs  in Louisiana.  Public libraries, schools, early learning centers, community centers, and other public institutions are encouraged to apply.  Click here to learn more about PRIME TIME and how it yields long-term improvements in student academic achievement among school-aged children and builds school-readiness skills among  preschool-aged children.

Available Program Applications:

PRIME TIME Family Reading Time (3 to 10 year-old children & parents)
PRIME TIME Preschool (3 to 5 year-old children & parents)

Eligible Partner Organizations:

• Library Systems and Individual Branches
• School Districts, Charter Organizations, and Individual Schools
• Early Learning / Head Start Centers
• Museums
• Community Service Agencies

PRIME TIME applications are available twice annually for Fall and Spring/Summer sessions.  The deadline to apply for programs that will take place during Spring 2016 is Thursday, October 15th. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by Monday, November 2nd.

Click here to access PRIME TIME grant application information.  For more information about PRIME TIME please download our program brochure, or email [email protected].