What role does storytelling play in library programs?

Storytelling plays a vital role in library programs primarily by engaging students and improving literacy skills. Through storytelling, libraries create an interactive environment that fosters not only a love for reading but also encourages comprehension and critical thinking. By sharing stories, librarians can immerse students in narratives that capture their imagination, stimulate their curiosity, and motivate them to explore further, whether through related books or other learning opportunities.

Additionally, storytelling enhances language skills as it exposes students to vocabulary, sentence structure, and narrative techniques. This dynamic experience can significantly enhance literacy development, making it a pivotal element in educational programming within libraries.

The other choices do not align with the fundamental objectives of library programs. Discouraging creative thinking goes against the essence of what libraries strive to cultivate, while prioritizing quiet reading time only overlooks the importance of interactive and engaging activities. Focusing exclusively on non-fiction also fails to recognize the broad spectrum of literature that can be shared through storytelling, which includes fiction, poetry, and traditional tales.