Storytime bridges language barriers

 Storytime bridges language barriers
When Branson elementary teacher Katy Hafner reads “Little Quack” later this month at Library Center of the Ozarks, the storytime is about more than a fictional duck—it’s about bringing families together across language and cultural lines.
The reading is part of Branson School District’s Spanish Storytime, a community program held four times a year that creates a welcoming space for families, often with diverse backgrounds, to learn, connect, and discover common ground. The storytime, and books that are sent home with families afterward, are funded by a Hope Grant from Silver Dollar City Foundation.
Building Community
“Books are universal and bring people together,” Hafner said. “For our English learners, when they see other people who are smiling and happy - even if we don’t all speak the same language - we are all looking at the same book, they can see it’s a safe space. For our English-speaking families, they are meeting families who might not look like them, but they are getting to share that same experience. It creates bonds and acceptance.”
During the Spanish Storytimes, Branson teachers take turns reading the books aloud in both English and Spanish. Afterward, families are invited to enjoy a craft as well as learn more about Library Center of the Ozarks, its services and can receive help signing up for a library card, it they choose.  A library card isn’t required to attend the storytime and all families are welcome, regardless of where they reside.    
An Invitation to the Library
“In Branson, we are very fortunate,” Hafner said. “We have so much at our fingertips, from Silver Dollar City to many other attractions for families to enjoy. Library Center of the Ozarks is one of those places—and it’s free.”
The library offers many resources beyond books, such as access to computers, digital services, educational programing and much more. The library has also been expanding its collection of Spanish books.
Addressing Needs
“For approximately 9.8 percent of Branson students, English is not their first language,” explained Dr. DeAnna Sheets, director of curriculum, assessment and federal programs for Branson School District. “That equates to more than 450 students who are English-learners. When we think about kids who come to our area who don’t know English and they are trying to fit in and be successful, this Spanish Storytime is just one more way that we are trying to help them feel a part of our community and find connection.”
Sheets added that there are 37 different languages spoken by Branson students. After English, Spanish is the second most common language in Branson followed by Gujarati.
Upcoming Dates
The next Spanish Storytime at Library Center of the Ozarks will be held Feb. 21 when Hafner will read “Little Quack.” The final Spanish Storytime this school year is set for May 9. Storytimes begin at 10:30am and last approximately one hour. Every child in attendance will receive a copy of the featured book in both English and Spanish to keep.
Library Center of the Ozarks is located at 200 S. 4th Street in Branson.
In addition to covering costs for the Spanish Storytime and the take-home books for kids, the grant from Silver Dollar City Foundation also funds bilingual classroom supplies and resources for Branson School District.
Meeting Community Needs
Silver Dollar City Foundation provides Hope Grants to the 14 public school districts serving Stone and Taney County children. These grants empower districts to address local needs ranging from early childhood education to literacy programs, behavioral support, social services, and student and family engagement. During the 2024–2025 school year alone, Hope Grant projects positively impacted nearly 3,000 students.
Visit SilverDollarCityFoundation.com to learn more.