The last time I did a story time was Feb. 28, 2001. I was completing hours for a directed field work to gain experience in children’s services. I was nervous to do my first story time, but excited too, because it was a Dr. Seuss themed event. What could go wrong?

Two preschool classes filed in to the 90-year-old Carnegie Library and sprawled across the floor. After we sang a few songs, I read the opening pages of What Was I Scared Of? by Dr. Seuss. When the walls began to buzz and a large light fixture swayed dangerously overhead, I realized it was an earthquake.

The kids seemed confused as to why the library lady made them go under the table, but happily sang along to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, if only to humor me. The Nisqually Earthquake, as it was later called, was the biggest lesson on being prepared for anything when working in youth services.

Disaster struck again recently in the Bellevue Children’s Department. Stomach bugs and important meetings left us with no children’s librarians the day of preschool story time. The show must go on. I have children of my own and read to them often, but the thought of shaking my sillies out and singing to a room of strangers made me break into a cold sweat. I’ll stand in front of middle school classes any day, but toddlers are terrifying.

I had one great service to lean on: Tell Me A Story. Children’s librarians from across King County Library System have recorded a series of finger plays and songs and uploaded them to YouTube. Lyrics are posted in an alphabetical list and the videos are linked at www.kcls.org/tellmeastory. This resource is great for parents and teachers who want to broaden their repertoire of amusing songs for classrooms or rainy day fun. The page also gives a link to story times in the area and information on Early Literacy activities.

My story times weren’t perfect. I made the wrong animal noise during Old McDonald Had a Farm due to performance anxiety, but it was still fun. While the earth didn’t move, I felt better prepared thanks to the links and guidance provided by children’s librarians.

Don’t let their cheerful demeanors fool you. Children’s librarians are as tough as nails and I’m thankful for every one of them.

Darcy Brixey is the teen services librarian at the Bellevue Library. She’d like to tell you she loves to read, but it’s an expectation of the job.