Dial-a-bedtime story popular in Lubbock
LUBBOCK, Tex. (UPI)—An innovation in library service for children, that of personalized bedtime stories, has proved a major success during its pilot run in this West Texas city.
The dial-a-bedtime story Miss Tell-A-Tale was given a sixweeks in Lubbock and immediately hit a snag. Miss Tell-A-Tale was too popular.
"The program was expanded from six to eight weeks, Miss Tell-A-Tale got a private telephone number, and plans to include the program in the future are underway," said Mrs. Ella Mae Platz, head of the children's services of Lubbock City-County Library.
night of the program a city official saw the switchboard confusion.
"What have we got—a disaster?" asked City Manager Bill Blackburn. He was told it was only children trying to reach Miss Tell-A-Tale. But it was enough to get the special phone because the city must also take fire, police and power emergency calls.
"We tried to hold the stories to three minutes, and take another minute to get the child's name, age, and invite them to the library," said Mrs. Platz. "With
three story tellers, we averaged about 45 calls per night. At that rate, we estimate we handled about 1,400 bedtime stories during the eight-week period."
In addition to members of the children's department of the library, volunteers were called upon. High school, college and young married women who enjoyed children and their books, also read.
The average age of the caller was four to seven, although there were many older children.
Mike Machen, eight, a Lubbock
second grader, said he tried to reach Miss Tell-A-Tale every night.
"It's fun to hear a bedtime story over the phone," he said. "It's better than being tucked into bed by mother. You can get that any night."
Mrs. Platz said the program certainly helped create interest in the children's department and children's books. Those who already used the library came back more often, and new children started using it.
Reaction of children was varied.
—“This isn't a recording is it?
My Daddy said it would be.”
—"I know Miss Tell-A-Tate doesn't come on until eight. But I'm just six and I can't tell time yet."
—“I'm too young to dial the phone. I had to get the operator to call for me. You won't tell, will you?”
Mrs. Platz said stories were chosen to stand on their own without pictures. The children were invited to the library where they could find the story they just heard and many others.