Parents React to Library's New Video Storybooks

It was no usual story time Wednesday morning at the Perry Hall Library.

Nearly 200 children and parents waited to participate in the official kickoff of Baltimore County Public Library system's partnership with Playaway View.

The more than 100 Playaway Views, full-color video players with a 3.5-inch screen, each carrying a selection of stories intended to teach children to read using a combination of video and text. Featured stories The Napping House and How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? are both available for a seven-day free checkout on the Playaway View.

During the launch event's story time, librarians sang a song together, read two books and had a dance party. There was also an appearance from Super Why, a popular PBS cartoon character who cut the ribbon next to a large selection of new Playaway Views.

So what did parents and kids think about the event and new video devices?

Melissa Rehak of Fallston brought her three children, ages 10, 5 and 3, to the library for the launch and to meet Super Why. “They will love the idea of each being able to have their own video player,” Rehak said.

Sue Sanuk of Perry Hall said she has enjoyed using a pre-launch Playway View with her 3-year-old daughter, Leona. They came to the launch so that Leona could meet Super Why and check out some of the new titles available on the Playaway View. Sanuk said her daughter enjoys the video player, especially because “it has a speaker and she doesn’t have to wear an earpiece.” 

Perry Hall mom Rachel Fuller brought her two daughters to the event. Her 6-year-old Emma was excited to meet Super Why. Fuller, who homeschools her children, said she was eager to check out the Playaway View, but recommends parents don't allow it to replace traditional reading. “It should work along with the physical book rather than used alone,” she said.

Nottingham mom Nickol Gaudino attended the event with her two sons, Zachary, 3, and Evan, 1. Zachary was anxious to meet Super Why, since he had dressed like him last Halloween. Gaudino said she was excited to check out a Playaway View for Zachary to watch on long car trips.

Christopher Schafer of Perry Hall and his 2-year-old son Jackson decided to check out a Playaway View after the event.

“It’s great that they are free, and I think my son will like it,” Schafer said.

Read more about the countywide kickoff in the article ""